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ABC News
14 hours ago
- Health
- ABC News
Calls for tougher biosecurity controls after 62,000kg illegal import sentence
Australia's agriculture industry is calling for stronger penalties for breaching biosecurity controls after a woman avoided jail for illegally importing more than 62 tonnes of meat and produce from Thailand to distribute on Sydney's black market. The items, including raw and cooked pork, frogs, edible insects, beef, chicken, fish, raw prawns and insect-infested fruit, were intercepted at the border in 2021 after a tip-off. The woman failed to accurately declare the products and on June 11 was sentenced by a District Court judge to a 24-month intensive corrections order and 150 hours of community service. Tests on the goods showed positive results for diseases, including African swine fever, Newcastle disease and white spot disease, raising concerns across the Australian agricultural industry. Australian Pork Limited CEO Margo Andrae said the introduction of African swine fever could cost the Australian industry $2.5 billion. "Australia has incredibly strict biosecurity laws for a very good reason. We don't have the diseases that are out there globally," she said. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said the items were tested for trace presence of diseases and positive results did not necessarily indicate a viable presence. Insect-infested fruit was also seized and subjected to cold storage treatment before inspection. DAFF's Compliance and Enforcement Division first assistant secretary Anna Brezzo said the detections did not indicate broader outbreaks within Australia. The detection of white spot disease in the items also worried the Australian prawn industry. Australian Prawn Farmers Association executive officer Kim Hooper said white spot, while harmless to humans, had the potential to decimate Australia's prawn industry. Within Australia, the movement of raw prawns from locations where white spot has been detected is banned, but raw prawns can be imported with a permit from countries with white spot disease. Ms Hooper described the regulations as a "double standard" and called for a consistent approach to imported prawns. "Fishers and farmers are doing all the right things in that containment area," she said. "They're not moving raw product out of that containment area. It has to be cooked. "But we're not seeing that same level of biosecurity at the border — we're not seeing only cooked [prawns] coming across the Australian border. "So it just beggars belief about how this is actually happening and why our own businesses in Australia are being treated differently to what importers are." Ms Hooper said the penalties for the woman did not "reflect the scale of the threat" from the illegal importation. "This was a calculated operation involving false documentation and product substitution. The consequences should be equally serious," she said. "The government needs to step up. There needs to be increased penalties for deliberate breaches such as this. "They need to close the regulatory gaps that allow these black market operations to exploit our system and they need to modernise the border protection systems." Ms Andre agreed stronger penalties were needed to deter further illegal import attempts. "[It's] great to see that DAFF caught them, but now we need the judicial systems to actually really put the full strength of the penalties in place."
ABC News
19-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Extermination efforts continue after invasive ghost snail detection at Port of Brisbane
A leading biosecurity officer says it will be several months before Australia can be declared free of a "speedy", sourdough-loving, invasive snail with the potential to infest hundreds of plant species. Citrus, cotton, soybean, blueberry and peanut are among the crops being damaged overseas by the snail, which is becoming a costly problem for the horticulture sector in parts of the United States. The "peanut" or "ghost" snails were discovered by workers at the Port of Brisbane on March 14. Jim Eldridge, the director of the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's (DAFF) technical response team, said his staff were at the site within hours. He said more than 350 of the snails, scientifically named Bulimulus sporadicus, had been collected and culled from nine sites within the port, preventing the harmful plant pest from taking hold in Australia. "In excess of 500 plant species might be at risk — obviously they would include fruit and vegetable crops, but they could also include important native species as well," Mr Eldridge said. "The other risk associated with snails is the fact that they can carry and transmit harmful human and animal bacteria and parasites. "They could also pose a risk to our native snails by spreading disease or through competition." Mr Eldridge said his team was "crawling around on hands and knees in the debris, leaf litter and grasses" to capture the "speedy" snails, which moved faster than other shelled gastropods. The treatment plan also includes using raw sourdough starter – fermented bread dough – to lure them into traps. Mr Eldridge said it would take several more months before the the infested area could be declared free of the pest because of its ability to aestivate. That means that in dry, hot times, the snails can seal themselves within their shells and remain dormant for months before becoming active again during wet weather. "That's why it's important for us to carry out our post-treatment surveillance for an extended period of time — at least 12 months," Mr Eldridge said. "And that we carry this out across seasons and especially following rain events." He said salt barriers have been installed to prevent the pest from accessing shipping containers entering and exiting the port. Investigations into how they arrived are ongoing. Mr Eldridge said the geographical isolation of the Port of Brisbane on Fisherman Islands was aiding the extermination process. Originating in the Caribbean, the ghost snail has a conical shell, grows up to 25 millimetres long and is an accomplished climber. In the southern US the invasive species has spread along rail lines, hitching rides on carriages, people and farm equipment. The snails' favoured diet is dead and decaying plant matter, but they have damaged crops in the US by sucking plant juices. Assistant professor Lauren Diepenbrock from the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Centre said the snails' biggest impact was clogging irrigation lines, crucial for watering citrus crops. "Management is a huge challenge," the entomologist said, explaining that there was no known form of economical chemical control. "We have been screening pesticides, including insecticides, molluscicides, herbicides, and fungicides to find any tools that may currently be available," Dr Diepenbrock said. On one organic farm geese are being used to help control them. University of Florida researchers have recorded the snails moving 21.8 metres in 22 days. "A snail's pace is normally quite slow — these guys can be deceptively quick," Citrus Australia chief executive Nathan Hancock said. "If they do get up into trees, they do feed on the fruit, which damages it and makes it unsaleable." In the last financial year the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook valued the citrus industry, which produced 883,527 tonnes of fruit for domestic and export markets, at $1.1 billion. Mr Hancock said that the detection of ghost snails was an example of why biosecurity funding needed to be increased. "We've seen over time the Department of Agriculture's budgets reducing year on year," Mr Hancock said. Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Julie Collins said biosecurity funding had been increasing. "The government is contributing more and now importers are also paying their fair share," she said in a statement. "The Albanese Labor government will continue to work with farmers and important stakeholders so producers are involved in the policy solutions that protect their livelihoods." In February the federal government scrapped an unpopular proposed biosecurity levy that would have collected $50 million from the agricultural sector. ABC Rural asked the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) how much was being spent on federal biosecurity this financial year compared to last financial year but did not receive a clear answer. The ABC was directed to a public report released last October that showed $792m had been committed for the 2023-24 financial year. In that time biosecurity officers supported the clearance of more than 113m imported cargo consignments, 138,000 containers, 19m international travellers, 19,800 vessels and 104,000 international aircraft arriving in Australia. A DAFF spokesperson said the biosecurity budget was not separately announced in the 2025-26 budget. "DAFF will release the 2024-25 biosecurity funding and expenditure report later this year," they said. The Invasive Species Council of Australia said there was "widespread acknowledgement that biosecurity has long been underfunded". "The main evidence is that we keep getting new invasive species arriving in Australia," senior policy adviser Carol Booth said. Unlike varroa mites and fall armyworm, which have successfully invaded Australia, ghost snails have been kept out so far. Mr Eldridge said Bulimulus sporadicus had been intercepted about half a dozen times at Australian ports since 2016. "All those previous detections were quickly and effectively treated, preventing this snail from establishing," he said.
Time Business News
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
What Is a Customs Broker?
In Australia, under the Customs Act 1901, only licensed customs brokers—or the owner of goods—can submit import declarations for goods cleared into home consumption. Most businesses engage brokers to navigate complex regulations, avoid entry errors, and minimise costly delays or penalties. Licensing & Qualifications All customs brokers in Australia must hold a licence issued by the Department of Home Affairs Common pathway: Complete the Diploma of Customs Broking (TLI50822). Gain supervised workplace experience. Sit (if required) a national exam. Participate in mandatory continuing professional development (CPD)—typically 30 points annually ABF tightened 'fit and proper person' checks as of 5 March 2025, enabling electronic licence applications & broader nominee definitions Key Roles in the Supply Chain Customs brokers act as a vital bridge between importers and authorities by: Classifying good s accurately to calculate duties and taxes. s accurately to calculate duties and taxes. Completing import documentation, including permits and licences. including permits and licences. Liaising with customs officials and expediting clearances and expediting clearances Mitigating compliance risks , such as misclassification or incorrect valuations. , such as misclassification or incorrect valuations. Guiding tariff opportunities, HS codes, and trade agreements (e.g., India ECTA) This reduces delays, penalties, and errors that could disrupt the entire supply chain . Regulatory & Technological Context (2025 Outlook) Customs Amendment Legislation (from 5 March 2025) enhances digital licence administration and tighter security for trusted trade partners. (from 5 March 2025) enhances digital licence administration and tighter security for trusted trade partners. Illegal Logging Reforms (effective 3 March 2025): brokers must ensure oversight of timber legality, treatment standards, and documentation (effective 3 March 2025): brokers must ensure oversight of timber legality, treatment standards, and documentation Biosecurity measures continue to tighten, with DAFF requiring certifications, fumigation verification and compliance audits . with DAFF requiring certifications, fumigation verification and compliance audits . New CPD requirements issued by DAFF must be completed by 17 March 2025 Supply Chain Trends & Impacts on Brokerage a) Digital Transformation & Data AI-powered tools, real-time platforms, and e-signatures are becoming core features. Customs data is now the 'currency' of trade—vital for visibility & resilience b) Resilience & Sustainability Increased investment in robust networks and rail infrastructure—Australia's freight is up to three times costlier than elsewhere Push for traceability (using blockchain, IoT) to comply with ESG and biosecurity laws c) Geopolitical Change Agreements like Australia–India ECTA and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) diversify routes beyond China d) Freight Costs & Policy Regulatory pressure on brokers to maintain strict compliance—part of new 'additional licence conditions' since July 2024 . Why Brokers Matter More Than Ever They help businesses maintain compliance and avoid expensive disruptions. and avoid expensive disruptions. They enable faster clearance via expert handling of complex regulations. via expert handling of complex regulations. They optimise tariff management and trade-agreement benefits. and trade-agreement benefits. They manage emerging risks—illegal logging, biosecurity threats, digital adoption, climate impacts. Business Recommendations Choose a trusted-operator broker accredited under Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) broker accredited under Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) Ensure brokers offer digital platform integration and data visibility. and data visibility. Regularly review CPD credentials , biosecurity practices, and licence compliance. , biosecurity practices, and licence compliance. Monitor supply chain resilience strategies: rail vs road freight shifts post extreme weather events Conclusion In 2025, customs brokerage in Australia has evolved from a transactional service into a critical strategic partner. As digitalisation, regulatory complexity, and global uncertainty rise, brokers play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless, secure, and compliant supply chain operations. By partnering with digitally advanced and accredited brokers, businesses safeguard their goods, reduce costs, and build resilience. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
1News
30-05-2025
- 1News
Strange smell led Australian police to exotic animal traffickers
Noticing a strange smell, officials opened a package from overseas to discover snakes, iguanas, turtles and tarantulas — many of them dead. Two years later, a sweeping investigation into an illegal wildlife trafficking ring has led to a Queensland man being sentenced to jail. Jesse Sayeg pleaded guilty to three offences related to smuggling exotic animals into Australia in Caloundra Magistrates Court this week. It came after a multi-year probe spanning three states that exposed an illegal exotic wildlife trafficking gang, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said. An alligator snapping turtle was among those discovered as part of the probe. (Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) ADVERTISEMENT Officials were first tipped off when Australian Border Force officers noticed the smell coming from a package sent from the Philippines in March 2023. They tipped off the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry which X-rayed the parcel, revealing its exotic contents. Overall 15 reptiles and spiders were discovered in drawstring calico fabric bags — six iguanas along with three snakes, soft-shell turtles and tarantulas. The mostly dead wildlife were in a consignment under a false name and misdeclared as toys, the federal department said. The investigation into the trafficking gang that unfolded stretched across Queensland, Western Australia and Victoria, with search warrants uncovering many more animals. An additional two hog nose snakes, 45 tarantulas, two scorpions, an African hedgehog and an alligator snapping turtle were among those discovered as part of the probe. An alligator snapping turtle was among those discovered as part of the probe. (Source: Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) ADVERTISEMENT Sayeg was involved in the trafficking ring, admitting to illegally importing live tortoises and turtles in Caloundra Magistrates Court. He was sentenced to nine months in prison. "The illegal wildlife trade is the world's fourth-largest illicit transnational trade, after arms, drugs and human trafficking," the department's deputy secretary of biosecurity, operations and compliance Justine Saunders said. "The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, along with other government agencies, are united in their commitment to eradicate the illicit wildlife trade and will take vigorous and relentless action to seek out those responsible, bring them to justice and stop this global crime." Saunders said animals introduced to Australia via illegal trafficking created "unacceptable biosecurity risks", and could be potentially devastating to agriculture, wildlife and even human health. "Any breach of Australia's biosecurity laws is taken extremely seriously." Individuals faced a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to AU$1.65 million (NZ$1.77 million) or AU$8.25 million (NZ$8.89 million) for a company, she said. ADVERTISEMENT The two-year probe dubbed Operation Cascade was led by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with help from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water as well as Border Force and Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian agencies.
ABC News
30-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Sunshine Coast turtle and snake smuggler convicted but avoids jail
A Queensland man involved in an illegal wildlife smuggling ring has been convicted in a Sunshine Coast court. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) said Sunshine Coast man Jesse Sayeg, 33, first came to the attention of authorities after Victorian Australian Border Force officers intercepted a package from the Philippines in March 2023. The package had been declared as toys but officers had noticed a smell coming off it. An X-ray revealed a variety of reptiles and spiders, and once it was opened it was confirmed to contain three snakes, six iguanas, three soft shell turtles and three tarantulas. DAFF's first assistant secretary of compliance and enforcement Anna Brezzo said the animals had been concealed in drawstring calico bags. Many of them were dead. The package was also later found to have been addressed to a fake name. The discovery triggered a two-year investigation, Operation Cascade, which involved federal and state agencies. Ms Brezzo said it spanned three jurisdictions — Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. Search warrants uncovered an additional two hog nose snakes, 45 tarantulas, three eco-skeleton spiders, two scorpions, an African hedgehog and an alligator snapping turtle. Investigations are ongoing, and Ms Brezzo was unable to provide details around how many people authorities suspect to be involved. "There are a number, and certainly this individual [Sayeg] was a primary player," she said. The Caloundra Magistrates Court on Tuesday sentenced Sayeg to nine months in prison. He was convicted on two charges relating to importing conditionally non-prohibited goods. Sayeg was also charged with producing documents known to be false or Australia's biosecurity laws can carry a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $1,650,000 for an individual or $8,250,000 for a company. "We were really pleased that the court determined that a term of imprisonment was the only appropriate penalty given the seriousness of the offending," Ms Brazzo said. The court released Sayeg on a recognisance release order, which means he will not serve time behind bars. Ms Brezso said authorities were concerned by their findings so far. "The illegal wildlife trade is now the fourth-largest illicit transnational activity in the world after arms, drugs and human trafficking," she said. "It's often exploited by organised crime for financial gain, resulting in flow on effects across crime. She said all breaches of biosecurity laws were taken seriously.
