CBC training and eligible courses (TNF2016/022)

As you would be aware, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR)  has mandated that persons seeking to maintain their "approved" status  (non-licensed customs brokers) or "accredited" status  (licensed customs brokers) under the relevant co-regulation schemes (NCCC/AEPCOMM), are required to undertake a minimum of two hours of training annually commencing from 1 April each year.  This ongoing training is called CBC or Continued Biosecurity Competency and takes the place of the periodic assessment of knowledge that existed previously via the re-accreditation process last conducted in 2009.

 We have had a number of queries as to what constitutes CBC and we thought it timely to provide information as to what is acceptable training for CBC to meet the ongoing requirements of CBFCA members. As at the present time, you can meet your CBC mandated hours through the following CBFCA sponsored training/events in this current year:

• The presentation provided by DAWR at the CBFCA regional conferences (for those who attended these events around Australia)
• The online training course provided by DAWR entitled "Introduction to the Biosecurity Act" which is accessible for both CBC and CPD purposes via the CBFCA's College website (refer to TNF 2016/012 for further details)

 Now these two training courses/events combined can provide for your minimum of two hours of CBC for the year however it is important to point out that DAWR have the right to insist on you undertaking additional CBC over and above these two hours" where there are extraordinary issues of biosecurity concern or urgent requirements for process changes (that require) immediate updating of skills and knowledge...by accredited or approved persons" (see the DAWR Policy document for more details).

We ask that you please keep the above provision in mind when planning your CBC training for the year to ensure you meet your CBC requirements.

The CBFCA will be bringing you additional CBC events during the balance of the CBC year and we will make sure we give you plenty of notice of these. 

Just a final note in response to queries on this matter, we have been advised by DAWR that the training provided by DAWR on COLs is not acceptable as CBC.  

Bill Murphy
CBFCA Manager Professional Development and Training