The Rudd Labor Government has agreed to a two-month extension for the independent review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity systems, following a request by the review head Roger Beale AO.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the wide-ranging independent review in February and released terms of reference which include examining the legal, administrative and institutional frameworks that underpin our quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.

Mr Burke said he had spoken to Mr Beale about the review panel’s progress and was happy to allow extra time for the experts to complete their work.

Submissions to the review are now due by 28 April 2008 and the report will be submitted by 30 September 2008.

“This is a very important process and I want to receive a thorough, detailed report from the panel,” Mr Burke said.

“I am pleased to hear that Roger Beale and his team have an ambitious program for the remainder of the review and I look forward to receiving their recommendations.

“I would again encourage any interested parties to be involved in the review and make a submission to help guide the long-term direction of our quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.”

Following public submissions, the review will hold targeted stakeholder meetings in state and territory capital cities.