Biosecurity governance

Page last updated: Friday, 29 May 2020 - 10:32am

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The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) regulates mechanisms, programs and activities to prevent and minimise the impact of pests and diseases upon agriculture and environment.

Western Australia’s defences against potentially devastating pests and diseases were strengthened with the BAM Act coming into effect on 1 May 2013.

The BAM Act replaces 16 older Acts and 27 sets of regulations with one Act and nine sets of regulations, modernising the law and removing inconsistencies between previous legislation to better serve business and the community. It will also lead to greater co-operation between government, landholders, industry and the community.

The BAM Act enhances the protection of Western Australia's agriculture and the environment, and safeguardes the state’s $9 billion agriculture and food production which generates the $8.5 billion value in agrifood, fibre and fisheries exports.