The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee has undertaken a number of inquiries over recent years into the Import Risk Analyses (IRAs) for various products – including bananas from the Philippines and apples from New Zealand.

In addition to the inquiry in relation to pineapples from Malaysia, the committee is also currently undertaking inquiries into two other matters that rely on the IRA process:

• the effect on Australian ginger growers of importing fresh ginger from Fiji; and
• the proposed importation of potatoes from New Zealand.

Over the years, industry stakeholder groups (for example, fruit and vegetable growers) have raised concerns about the Risk Estimation Matrix and the way in which DAFF Biosecurity calculate the associated risks. These concerns have again been raised during the current inquiry into the importation of pineapples from Malaysia.
The operation of the Risk Estimation Matrix is a highly technical and specialised area. The Committee decided, therefore to seek independent, specialised advice in relation to the Risk Estimation Matrix.
Below is a link to the advice provided by the consultant engaged by the Committee - Mr Chris Peace, Principal Consultant, Risk Management Ltd. Mr Peace's report, dated 30 January 2013 is titled Advice on the risk estimation matrix used by DAFF Biosecurity as part of the Import Risk Analysis process.

View the report as a single document - (PDF 411KB)