Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) During a biosecurity emergency period, the Agriculture Minister may require a person who the Minister suspects, on reasonable grounds, has information relevant to the biosecurity emergency to answer questions, or provide information in writing, in relation to the biosecurity emergency.
Note 1: This power may be delegated and subdelegated (see sections 453 and 454).
Note 2: A person may commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision if the person provides false or misleading information (see section 137.1 of the Criminal Code and section 532 of this Act).
(2) A requirement imposed on a person under subsection (1) during a biosecurity emergency period continues to have effect, whether or not the period has ended, until:
(a) the person complies with the requirement; or
(b) the Agriculture Minister or a biosecurity officer informs the person that the answer or information is no longer required.
Fault - based offence
(3) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is required to answer questions, or provide information in writing, under subsection (1); and
(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 300 penalty units, or both.
(4) A person who is required to answer questions, or provide information in writing, under subsection (1) must comply with the requirement.
Civil penalty: 120 penalty units.
Note: This section is not subject to the privilege against self - incrimination (see section 635).