Sunset review of Queensland's Biosecurity Regulation 2016

The Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) sets the legal framework for managing biosecurity risks. The Regulation provides detailed rules and procedures to implement the Act effectively.

The prohibited and restricted matter lists define which species or materials are subject to biosecurity control measures, restrictions, or prohibitions to prevent their introduction, spread or impact in Queensland. These lists contain high-risk species that are assigned specific management actions to manage biosecurity risks effectively and proportionately.

The Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 made changes to the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014, including moving the prohibited and restricted matter lists from the Act to the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.

Before moving the lists, the Department of Primary Industries undertook a review to ensure they were scientifically up to date and met the criteria under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014. Importantly, the lists need to reflect Queensland's specific risk profiles.

Public consultation on the reviewed lists was conducted in late 2025. The updated prohibited and restricted matter lists are now available in the Regulation.

The executive summary of the document provides an overview of the sunset review findings, including a summary of the proposed changes. You can read more in the body of the document on the topics that are of interest to you.

Most of the current Regulation is working well and is proposed to be remade without amendment. There are a handful of proposed changes, broadly categorised into fine tuning of rules that may introduce minor additional burden, strengthening opportunities/flexibility, removing rules that aren't needed anymore, and administrative amendments.

Once the consultation period closes, the Queensland Government will consider all feedback to inform a final position on the Regulation later this year. Stakeholders will be kept informed about when the Regulation will be updated.

Yes, there are multiple ways you can provide feedback. You can:

• email a written submission to bqconsultation@dpi.qld.gov.au 
• post a written submission to Biosecurity Regulation Consultation, Biosecurity Queensland, GPO Box 46 Brisbane QLD 4001
• call the customer service centre on 13 25 23 for a printed copy and return by post.