As of July 2022, the “Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment” has been renamed to the “Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry”. This change was a result of Machinery of Government change in which responsibility for environment and water matters was transferred to the newly formed Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry remains the Australian Government competent authority responsible for inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports. With respect to the Food Safety Systems Recognition Arrangement signed in 2017, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry remains bound by the existing arrangements with the FDA. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is committed to continue implementing the Food Safety Systems Recognition Arrangement as it’s written.

 

As of 2019, the “Department of Agriculture and Water Resources” has been renamed to the “Department of Agriculture”. This is an administrative change only and the Department remains the Australian Government competent authority responsible for inspection and certification of Australian food and agricultural exports. With respect to the Food Safety Systems Recognition Arrangement between FDA and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, the Department of Agriculture remains bound by the existing arrangement the FDA had with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. The Department is committed to continue implementing the Systems Recognition Arrangement as it’s written.