Invasive Species Council - Senate Inquiry

Hot Issues
- Senate Inquiry into Invasive Species

On 19 November 2002, the Democrats tabled the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002 in Federal Parliament.

Prior to being debated in the Parliament, the Federal Senate referred the Democrats' Bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

The Committee has established an Inquiry into the regulation, control and management of invasive species and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002, to report by the last sitting day of Federal Parliament in March 2004.

The Senate Inquiry is a very exciting development.

Not only will it stimulate debate on the Democrats' Bill, but the terms of reference extend to matters relating to the regulation, control and management of invasive species in general, including the adequacy and effectiveness of current Commonwealth, state and territory regulation and control of invasive species.

This is an excellent opportunity to put this issue on the Federal Government's environmental agenda.
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In presenting the ISC submission to the Senate, President Barry Traill said, "We believe that major opportunities exist for a more effective response to this threat. Great progress could be made within existing policy frameworks if the public in general were more engaged in this issue.

It would also be possible to stop the introduction and spread of many new and emerging invaders through improved prevention and rapid response systems which offer the greatest benefits for the least cost.

To build on these opportunities, the Invasive Species Council has developed a set of practical proposals based on the best scientific understanding. Many of these proposals are outlined in the attached submission."