September 22, 2023
Three people have faced court after attempts to import plants illegally were intercepted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity Dr Chris Locke said the outcome was a warning to anyone who ignored Australia’s biosecurity laws.
“We have three individuals who had the potential to seriously endanger Australia’s environment through the illegal importation of a high volume of succulents from overseas,” Dr Locke said.
“The plants were discovered in packages that had been mis-declared in order to circumvent the department’s biosecurity controls.
“Some of the plants imported were considered high-risk as they could have been carrying dangerous pathogens, including Xylella fastidiosa.
“Others in the collection were at serious risk of becoming weeds and causing irreversible harm to Australia’s environment and agricultural industries.”
The people attended court in Queensland and NSW and all were found guilty of serious offences under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
One was fined $20,000, one was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and the third – found guilty of 30 counts – was sentenced to 10 months’ jail, suspended upon entering a 12-month $2000 good behaviour bond.
[UPDATED]
