35717 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity

Written Question

Published date: 25 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	35717 (2026)
Question asked:	10 Aug 2026
Member asking:	Lan Pham
Portfolio:	Minister for Biosecurity
Minister replying:	Hon Andrew Hoggard
Answer received:	19 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_35717_2026
Document guid:	fa236d95-74f1-4c13-a0d0-df40ac1a67d6

35717 (2026). Lan Pham to the Minister for Biosecurity: What is the expected cost of the "four-month pilot" to develop and trial a new AI tool to "modernise the import health standard process", as announced by the Minister in a Beehive press release on 25 July 2026?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: The new AI tool is intended to support and augment Ministry for Primary Industries process by reducing time spent on research, evidence review, and drafting activities, enabling existing staff to deliver more import health standards, faster. Analysis and regulatory decisions will continue to be undertaken by appropriately qualified staff. I am advised that the contract for developing and trialling a new AI tool to modernise the import health standard process is approximately $350,000.