Terms of Reference for the Biosecurity Chief Executives Forum (CEs Forum)

1.1 PURPOSE

1. The purpose of the CEs Forum is to provide advice and support to the chief executive of MAF, who will be accountable for the end-to-end management of the biosecurity system. The forum will:

  • develop the strategic direction for biosecurity so as to ensure that biosecurity contributes optimally to all desired outcomes;
  • monitor the performance of the biosecurity system;
  • ensure clarity of roles, accountabilities and responsibilities; and
  • improve the performance of the overall biosecurity system.

1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES

2. The forum will advise on such things as:

  • the strategic direction for biosecurity in New Zealand, including identifying significant and emerging issues, specifying outcomes, establishing priorities, identifying research needs, and advising on resource requirements;
  • roles, responsibilities and accountabilities, including on any purchased functions;
  • evaluation and monitoring performance against the outcomes specified;
  • the capability of the biosecurity system;
  • prioritisation of biosecurity budget bids;
  • the Biosecurity Act and its relationship with other legislation;
  • high-level risk management frameworks;
  • significant and controversial issues, including major incursions;
  • international biosecurity-related obligations; and
  • stakeholder liaison.

1.3 ACCOUNTABILITIES

3. The chief executives of MAF, MFish, DOC, and MOH will be accountable to the Minister for Biosecurity for working together to achieve the purpose of the forum. As the chief executive accountable for end-to-end biosecurity, the chief executive of MAF will:

  • ensure the effective operation of the forum;
  • provide advice on behalf of the forum to relevant Ministers (this will not restrict any other chief executive from providing independent advice);
  • ensure information is provided and exchanged openly; and
  • ensure delivery of the biosecurity programme in line with agreed strategy.

4. The chief executives of MFish, DOC, and MOH will support the chief executive of MAF by contributing to the formulation of strategic goals for the biosecurity system, and monitoring performance of the system against the outcomes specified.

5. The chief executive of MAF may also purchase certain biosecurity services from the other agencies.

1.4 SECRETARIAT

6. The secretariat for the CEs Forum will be provided by the Biosecurity Strategic Unit. Papers will be circulated three working days before meetings and all agencies will have an opportunity to comment on substantive papers before they are circulated. Papers and minutes will usually be circulated to the State Services Commission.

Page last updated: 30 April 2008