3.  Security Sensitive Chemicals (SSC)

In December 2002, COAG agreed to a national review of the regulation, reporting and security surrounding the storage, sale and handling of hazardous materials, with the aim of minimising the risk of these materials being used for terrorist purposes. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) is responsible for leading this work through a series of working groups, governed by a steering group comprising of representatives from various Commonwealth Government agencies and the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian governments.

The work was divided into four review projects: ammonium nitrate; radiological sources; harmful biological materials; and hazardous chemicals. The review of ammonium nitrate has since been completed and is in the process of being implemented by states and territories. The reviews of radiological, chemical and biological materials are continuing with each at a different stage of development.

Access to industrial and agvet chemicals (agricultural chemicals (including pesticides) and veterinary medicines) is widespread in Australia, because they are widely used by industry and the community. More than 40,000 chemicals are potentially available in Australia, translating into more than 400,000 trademarked products. The range of groups that are likely to be affected by regulation of chemicals, includes industry, farmers, retail outlets (large and small) and small business.

The Review of Hazardous Chemicals is currently being considered by Commonwealth and State departments and agencies prior to consideration by the COAG Hazardous Materials Review Steering Committee. State and territory governments are now involved in industry consultation. Through the consultation process the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is expected to actively engage industry through various industry peak bodies to allow them to comment on the recommendations in the report.

A list of 30 agricultural chemicals to be potentially placed under similar regulation has been floated with Commonwealth ministers. NFF and the Association have lodged submissions to Government stating that industry has sufficient resources and programs already in place to steward these products effectively to maintain national security in this regard.

The next round of public consultation meetings in NSW are yet to be announced but are most likely to occur in June or July 2007 after the release of the draft COAG Review of Hazardous Materials recommendations paper.

The key objectives for this priority area are:

• Ensure the Association’s members are aware and contribute to any submissions in the consultation process.
• Maintain a watching brief on additional products to be added to the SSC list.