Director of Biosecurity

The Director of Biosecurity is the person who is, or is acting as, the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Director has responsibility for the general administration of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Act), alongside the Director of Human Biosecurity who is vested with responsibility related to the management of human health risks. The role of the Director of Biosecurity primarily relates to managing the entry, establishment and spread of pests and diseases that have the potential to cause harm in Australian Territory. Additional responsibilities of the Director include the management of ballast water and biosecurity emergencies. Subject to the limitations expressed at s 543(3) of the Act, the Agriculture Minister may give general directions to the Director of Biosecurity about the performance of their functions or exercise of their powers.