Mr VAILE (Trade) (7:24 PM) —in reply—First of all, I would like to thank honourable members for their contributions in this debate on the Quarantine Amendment Bill 1998 , and I accept the support of the opposition. The members for Corio, Lyons, Calare and Blair spoke, and I would like to respond to a couple of comments that have been made.

I noted the comment made by the member for Calare with regard to fire blight. The IRA process that is run by AQIS has, I suppose, caused some concern with the New Zealanders in that the science has proven that we do not allow, at this stage, the importation of apples from there. In my mind, that has proven the benefit of the independent nature and the process of import risk analysis in that area.

I acknowledge the comments made by the member for Lyons with regard to the situation with salmon. It is a difficult circumstance. He would also be aware that the WTO arbitrator has determined that Australia must bring its quarantine measures into WTO conformity by 7 July 1999. This is seven months earlier than AQIS has estimated that it would take for a full implementation. The government is currently examining the scope for completing the quarantine decision making process on salmon and associated aquatic products within that time. These are complex matters, as members would be aware, and it is important that the implications of any decision are fully taken account of.

The Quarantine Amendment Bill is a major advancement in ensuring that Australia has the appropriate regulatory framework leading into the next century. This bill is essential to protect our vital agricultural industries and our environment, and is essential for the development of export products crucial to the nation's economic prosperity. The bill provides a framework for tighter border controls to reflect the extreme importance of quarantine. New powers include the power to order the re-export of goods to ensure quarantine risks remain offshore and a more appropriate emergency power to ensure a rapid response to the entry of unknown diseases and pests.

The bill provides a more efficient approach to the performance of quarantine by providing a more flexible and updated approach to the treatment of imported goods. The bill replaces the prescriptive approaches to treating goods by giving the importer a range of treatment options relevant to the importation. These new aspects also ensure that there is scope to adopt emerging technological advancements. The bill encourages a greater involvement of industry in quarantine surveillance by providing a better framework for properly monitored industry involvement through the use of industry developed quality assurance arrangements and the use of approved commercial premises for quarantine purposes. This is consistent with the theme of the Nairn report Quarantine: a shared responsibility. The bill also updates the offence and penalty provisions to reflect appropriate penalties consistent with the criminal code.

Again, I thank all members for their contributions in the debate on this bill. It is important that we ensure the security of our borders—as far as imports are concerned—from pests and diseases, and this bill reinforces that. I commend the bill to the House.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

Bill read a second time.