17 Apr 2012: Quarantine investigations done by the book

DAFF Biosecurity’s (formerly the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) Investigations and Enforcement Program has been strengthened by direct Commonwealth Ombudsman oversight during the past three years.

Acting Ombudsman Alison Larkins today released her office’s final report on the Program, covering five reviews conducted between 2010 and 2011 at all DAFF Biosecurity regional offices. The reviews examined a sample of 25 per cent (166 of 668) of all investigations finalised or substantially finalised during the period.

‘Key among our findings was a need for DAFF Biosecurity to take a consistent approach to managing investigations and use investigation tools commensurate with the complexity of an investigation,’ she said.

‘We also found that DAFF Biosecurity needed to improve its record keeping, provide due process to recipients of correspondence, and strengthen internal guidelines.’

Ms Larkins acknowledged that DAFF Biosecurity adhered to its own policies and procedures most of the time. She said investigators met the required qualification standards; investigations were conducted in a timely manner; decisions to conduct interviews were made in accordance with internal guidelines; and applications for, and execution of, warrants complied with legislation.

And she commended the agency for its responsiveness to feedback and eagerness to address issues raised via these reviews and previous Ombudsman inspections.

‘DAFF Biosecurity has adjusted its schedule of regular reviews of ongoing investigations based on Ombudsman advice, and agreed to implement all of our recommendations,’ Ms Larkins said.

‘Its decision to conduct an annual internal audit of investigation activities, now that the Ombudsman’s funding for this work has come to an end, is a sound approach to ensuring that the Investigations and Enforcement Program continues to comply with policy and other requirements.’

DAFF Biosecurity, within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, contributes to reducing the risk of exotic plant and animal pests and diseases that can have an adverse impact on Australia’s agriculture, economy and environment.

The Investigations and Enforcement Program investigates the circumstances when biosecurity laws are broken. It may bring criminal proceedings against offenders.

The Ombudsman reviewed DAFF Biosecurity investigations in accordance with a recommendation in the June 2006 Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee report about DAFF’s administration of the 2004 citrus canker outbreak in Queensland.

In addition to the report released today, the findings of related Ombudsman inspections published in January 2011 and August 2009 are available at www.ombudsman.gov.au.

Media contact: Media 02 6276 3759

Follow the Ombudsman on twitter

Date of release: 17 April 2012