Biosecurity Act 2025

A relevant decision-maker may, by written notice to the permit holder, suspend an individual permit if the relevant decision-maker is satisfied that there are grounds for the suspension of the permit.

A notice under subsection (1) must specify—

the grounds for the suspension; and

the date or time from which the suspension takes effect; and

the period of suspension; and

the actions required, if any, for the suspension to be lifted.

Before suspending the permit, the relevant decision-maker must—

give written notice to the permit holder of the relevant decision-maker's intention to suspend the permit and the proposed grounds for doing so; and

allow the permit holder at least 14 days to make a submission to the relevant decision-maker about the proposed suspension; and

take into account any submission made to the relevant decision-maker by the permit holder before the deadline for the making of a submission.

The relevant decision-maker is not required to give notice under subsection (3) of a proposed suspension if the relevant decision-maker is of the opinion that the suspension is required urgently because of the biosecurity impact of the conduct authorised by the permit, or in an emergency.

However, if the relevant decision-maker suspends a permit without giving notice under subsection (3), the relevant decision-maker must—

give the permit holder written notice of the grounds of the suspension as soon as practicable after the suspension occurs; and

invite the permit holder to make a submission to the relevant decision-maker about the suspension by a specified deadline (being at least 14 days after the notice is given to the permit holder)

If the permit holder makes a submission to the relevant decision-maker about the suspension before the specified deadline, the relevant decision-maker must—

decide whether the suspension should be revoked or continued, having regard to that submission; and

give written notice of that decision to the permit holder.

A notice under subsection (1) or (6) must also provide information about the right to apply for a review of the decision to suspend the permit under Part 13.

A group permit is suspended in the manner prescribed by the regulations.