Biosecurity permits and registrations
Permits
A biosecurity permit allows a person to carry out an activity that would otherwise be prohibited under the Biosecurity Act 2023. This includes:
- dealing with prohibited biosecurity matter
- doing a banned activity
- not following an emergency rule.
‘Dealing with’ includes a wide range of activities, including to keep, grow, move, supply or create biosecurity matter.
Key Provisions
Section 62 – Permits Authorise Certain Activities.
A permit gives legal permission to carry out activities that would otherwise be against the law.
Sections 63–81 – How Permits Work from Start to Finish.
These sections explain the full process for managing permits:
- Applying and Renewing: How to apply for a permit and renew it when needed.
- Checking Suitability: How we assess whether an applicant is suitable.
- Permit Conditions: Rules that come with the permit, including financial requirements.
- Changes to Permits: What happens if a permit needs to be suspended, cancelled, or surrendered.
- Emergency Actions: Powers to act quickly in urgent situations to prevent harm.
Registrations
A biosecurity registration is required for certain activities like:
- Beekeeping
- Operating a goat depot
- Handling vaccines that contain a biosecurity matter
- National Livestock Identification System registration.
Key Provisions
- Section 88: Explains what counts as a regulated activity.
- Section 89: Registration authorises these dealings.
- Sections 90–107: These sections explain the full process on:
- Application and renewal
- Suitability assessments
- Conditions and amendments
- Suspension, cancellation, and surrender.
The Biosecurity Regulation 2025 provides further information on requirements for registration for beekeeping, operating a goat depot and dealing with certain vaccines.
How to apply
To apply for a permit or registration, call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or email ACTBiosecurity@act.gov.au.