Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut under the Government's plan to reduce the public service.
The new regulations, which were developed after a public consultation, set out a range of infringements that relate to stakeholders not complying with requirements under the scheme.
Twelve of these carry a $150 fee and an additional infringement, for those who do not register with the scheme, carries a $300 fee.
The new regulations also establish a panel to consider applications for access to the NAIT information system. The panel will provide an objective and transparent process to assess applications for data and decide them on their merits. The highest infringement fee, of $1000, is reserved for people who do not comply with conditions set by the panel on access to, or release of, NAIT information.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director - preparedness and partnerships, David Hayes, says the infringements are just one of a number of ways to help compliance.
"The focus of the scheme is on education, assistance and direction. That approach will work with the vast majority of people. Infringements give us another way to enhance compliance," Hayes says.
He says the scheme also has "built-in incentives" for industry because it provides direct and indirect benefit to farmers.
"The already high levels of compliance with the scheme boosts MPI's ability to respond quickly to disease outbreaks and underpins the official assurances that New Zealand gives to its international trade partners."
The new regulations join a suite of other regulations passed to date which provide the detail on how to meet requirements of the NAIT Act. They cover obligations and exemptions, levy types and various fees and forms.
The new regulations setting out infringements are here:
http://tinyurl.com/cnf8ek7
The new regulations establishing the panel are here.
http://tinyurl.com/bvn5yfd
