Biological Control Act 1984

The Biological Control Act 1984: A Comprehensive Outline

The Biological Control Act 1984 is an Australian federal law aimed at regulating the control of pests in the Australian Capital Territory. The Act extends to the external Territories, including the Jervis Bay Territory.

Key Provisions:

1. Part I: Preliminary: Defines key terms and establishes the Commonwealth Biological Control Authority.
2. Part II: Target organisms: Regulates the declaration of target organisms for biological control purposes. Applications can be made by individuals or organizations to have a particular organism declared as a target organism.
3. Part III: Agent organisms: Regulates the declaration of agent organisms, which are organisms used for biological control purposes. Applications can be made by individuals or organizations to have an organism declared as an agent organism.
4. Part IV: Special declarations: Provides for emergency declarations and declarations of existing released organisms.
5. Part V: Release of agent organisms: Regulates the release of agent organisms into the environment.
6. Part VI: Biological control under State laws: Interacts with State laws related to biological control.

Key Features:

1. The Act is a self-contained legislative instrument, with amendments incorporated through compilation.
2. The Authority is responsible for administering the Act and provides a mechanism for public consultation on recommendations made by the Council.
3. The legislation aims to minimize adverse impacts on the environment while effectively controlling pests in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Biological Control Act 1984 serves as an essential legal framework governing biological control measures in the region, focusing on minimizing harm to humans, animals, and the environment.