Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

QUARANTINE ACT 1908 - SECT 48A

             (1)  If the owner of goods that are performing quarantine notifies a Director of Quarantine in writing that he or she does not wish to take possession of them, the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

             (2)  Where:

                     (a)  a quarantine officer has notified the owner of goods ordered into quarantine that the goods may be released from quarantine and collected by the owner; and

                     (b)  the owner has failed to collect the goods within 30 days after the date on which the notification was given;

the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

             (3)  If, after making reasonable inquiries, a quarantine officer has been unable to find out the identity or whereabouts of the owner of goods that are in quarantine and certifies in writing to that effect, the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.