In forceAmended2020 Revised Edition

Contents

Biological Agents and Toxins Act 2005 · 2020 Revised Edition · Part 3 · Biological Agents and Inactivated Biological Agents

16. Prohibition against large-scale production of Second Schedule biological agents

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Amended

Last amended by an amending law of 2023.

(1)

A person must not carry out or procure any large‑scale production of any Second Schedule biological agent.

(2)

Where any person produces any Second Schedule biological agent at any facility in contravention of subsection (1) —

(a)

the person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years or to both; and

(b)

the Director‑General may order any one or more of the following:

(i)

the immediate cessation of any activity involving the Second Schedule biological agent carried out by the person at the facility;

(ii)

the destruction of the Second Schedule biological agent at the facility;

(iii)

the decontamination of the facility;

(iv)

the closure or cordoning off of the facility until such time as the Director‑General is satisfied that the facility may safely resume operation;

(v)

that any person who is or was at the facility (whether as a member of the staff of the facility or otherwise) and who may be or may have been exposed to the Second Schedule biological agent at the facility should —

(A)

undergo such medical examination and medical treatment at such place or hospital as the Director‑General may specify in the order; or

(B)

be quarantined at such place and for such period as the Director‑General may specify in the order.

(3)

Any person who contravenes any order made by the Director‑General under subsection (2)(b) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1 million or to imprisonment for a term which may extend to life imprisonment or to both.