Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 14 January 2013:

With reference to the establishment of Australian Government Authorised Officers (AAO) in export businesses for biosecurity/quarantine purposes, approximately 2 years ago:

(1) Which trading partner countries have subsequently accepted the use of AAOs.

(2) Which trading partner countries have refused to accept AAOs, and what action is the department taking to change this position.

(3) Can a list be provided detailing which countries are in negotiation with Australia over the acceptance of AAOs, including the timeframes for the completion of negotiations and implementation of the AAO system.

(4) Has the use of AAOs been raised with countries that have import protocols with Australia relating to horticultural produce.

(5) Will Australian horticultural industry exports have access to AAOs in protocol countries in the next 12 months; if not, what is the timeframe.