What’s happening?
The Queensland Government has opened consultation on its review of the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
The Regulation is being assessed before it expires.
The review will check whether the rules remain efficient, effective and up to date.
Industry and community members are being asked to provide feedback.
The consultation forms part of a comprehensive sunset review.
The review will help decide which rules should stay, change, or be removed.
It also aims to keep protections strong while reducing red tape where possible.
Why it matters?
The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 sets requirements for meeting general biosecurity obligations.
These obligations help prevent or minimise biosecurity risks across Queensland.
The Regulation protects the state’s environment, industries and communities from biosecurity threats.
The Department of Primary Industries has worked with industry stakeholders on possible improvements.
That work informed an impact analysis statement outlining proposed changes.
DPI Acting Deputy Director-General Biosecurity Michael Reid said the review was important for future readiness.
“For the past 10 years, the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has played a key role in protecting our state from biosecurity threats, safeguarding our environment, industries and communities,” Mr Reid said.
“This sunset review is a chance to maintain and improve protections against diseases, improve biosecurity risk management and modernise outdated rules to meet the needs of Queenslanders today.
“We encourage all Queenslanders to review the proposed changes and share their feedback. Your input will help shape the future of biosecurity in our state.”
Local Impact
The review affects industries and communities across Queensland.
It may shape how people understand and meet their biosecurity responsibilities.
Local growers, beekeepers and industry groups may see rules clarified or simplified.
Communities also have a chance to comment before any final changes are made.
That feedback can help ensure the rules remain practical and clear.
By the numbers
- The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has operated for 10 years, giving Queensland a full decade of rules to assess.
- Submissions close on Friday 29 May 2026, setting a clear deadline for public feedback.
- Four key update areas are proposed, covering risk management, disease protection, rule simplification and clearer wording.
Zoom In
The review has found that the Regulation is generally working well.
However, it also identified opportunities for improvement.
Proposed updates include enhancing biosecurity risk management.
They also include strengthening protections against certain diseases.
Other proposed changes would simplify rules for beekeepers, citrus growers and banana growers.
Existing rules may also be refined and clarified to improve understanding.
Zoom Out
Biosecurity rules help protect Queensland from risks that can affect communities and industries.
The review gives government, industry and the public a chance to test the current system.
It also allows outdated rules to be checked against current needs.
The aim is to keep useful protections while removing unnecessary red tape.
What To Look For Next?
Queenslanders can read the proposed changes through the Department of Primary Industries’ Engagement Hub.
Feedback received before Friday 29 May 2026 will help shape the future Regulation.
The final outcome will decide which rules stay, change, or are removed.
