Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:25 PM AWST
23/07/2026 1:25 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Manage plant movement health risk
Manage plant movement health risk
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPREG504A
PSPREG504A
State Code
C8293
C8293
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
25/01/2006
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
25/01/2006
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers assessment of plant movement health risk and the development, implementation and monitoring of strategies to manage that risk. It includes the specialist knowledge and skills on plants and plant products required by those involved in the inspection, monitoring and certification of plants and plant products moving intrastate and interstate within Australia; the monitoring and controlling of specific plant pests and diseases; and the provision of information on, and facilitation of interstate and international market access.In practice, managing plant movement health risk may overlap with other public sector generalist and specialist work activities such as promoting ethical practice, compliance with legislation, coordinating risk management, undertaking negotiations, managing conflict. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess andcontrol plant movement health risk
- 1.1 The health and certification of plants and plant products moving into the country, state or territory are verified as meeting all commonwealth, state or territory requirements.
- 1.2 The health of plants and plant products is certified for international, interstate and/or intrastate movement in accordance with certification requirements.
- 1.3 Plants and plant products are inspected for pest and disease infestation and necessary treatments are recommended and monitored in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 1.4 Clients are provided with timely and accurate information and training on requirements in relation to the movement of plants and plant products.
- 1.5 Compliance/accreditation/interstate certification agreements are entered into where appropriate and audited in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2. Identify potential risks associated with the movement of plants and plant products
- 2.1 Common risks associated with the interaction of production location, crop and plant pests and diseases are identified.
- 2.2 The implications of pre-harvest and post-harvest preventative and disinfestation methods for plant and plant product health, human health and the environment are analysed.
- 2.3 The implications of packaging types and technologies, storage conditions and production techniques for plant and plant product health are analysed.
3. Participate in the development of strategies to manage plant movement health risk
- 3.1 Statistical information on plants and plant products is accessed and used in the development of risk management strategies.
- 3.2 Plant and plant product sector quality standards and principles are identified and applied.
- 3.3 Existing strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk are reviewed and updated in response to industry developments and needs.
- 3.4 New strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk are developed where necessary in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
4. Implement strategies to manage plant movement health risk
- 4.1 Strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk are implemented in consultation with relevant industry and government bodies.
- 4.2 Information to facilitate compliance with risk management strategies is provided to clients in accordance with their needs in terms of its range, depth and form of presentation.
5. Monitor the outcomes of strategies to manage plant movement health risk
- 5.1 Processes to monitor the required outcomes of strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk are developed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 5.2 The outcomes of strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk are monitored and recommendations made where possible for continuous improvement.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Plant movement health risk may include:
spread of plant pests, diseases and weeds
negative impacts on market access for the Australian plant and plant products sectors
increased costs of production within the Australian plant and plant products sectors
negative environmental and social impacts
Plants and plant products may include:
fruits
vegetables
field crops
grain products
nursery stock, including whole plants and propagating material
cut flowers and cut foliage
seeds
tissue culture
Treatments may include:
chemical (insecticides, fungicides, fumigation etc)
physical (heat, cold treatment, physical containment or exclusion etc)
irradiation
surveys
inspection and certification
Clients may include:
growers/packers of plants and plant products
interstate importers and exporters of plants and plant products
wholesalers of plants and plant products
retailers of plants and plant products
transporters of plants and plant products
treatment providers (e.g. fumigators) of plants and plant products
travellers
Requirements in relation to the movement of plants and plant products include:
relevant state and territory government acts and regulations on plants and plant products
interstate plant and plant products import requirements
relevant pest, disease and weed protocols, procedures and contingency plans
Common risks may include:
quarantine risks associated with the production location, pre-harvest and post-harvest treatment and handling, storage, transport and intrastate and interstate movement of plants and plant products
Pre-harvest preventative and disinfestation methods may include:
physical barriers (e.g. fruit bagging, netting, insect-free glasshouses)
biological control
use of resistant varieties
root stock
integrated pest management
chemical methods (for non-organics)
Post-harvest preventative and disinfestation methods may include:
physical barriers (e.g. sealed packages and containers, shrink wrapping, insect-proof cartons, storage facilities)
maturity at harvest
unbroken skin at harvest
cold storage
hot water treatment
fumigation for non-organics
fumigation for organics
chemical dips and sprays (for non-organics)
irradiation (for non-organics)
Packaging types and technologies (for fruits, vegetables and cut flowers) may include:
main types of packages
sulphur pads
ethylene absorbers
foam padding and other methods of preventing mechanical injuries
re-used and recycled packaging
Storage conditions (for fruits, vegetables and cut flowers) may include:
humidity
temperature
modified atmosphere
controlled atmosphere
special or specific packaging
fumigation and other treatments
consideration of storage life
consideration of shelf life
chilling injury
high temperature injury
onset of post harvest disorders
(Basic nursery and cut flower) production techniques may include:
propagation
watering
fertilising
glasshouse cultivation
hydroponics
re-potting
growing media
Participation in the development of strategies may include:
membership of work teams or project teams that review, develop, implement and monitor risk management strategies
consultation and liaison with relevant industry and government bodies
Statistical information on plants and plant products may include:
Australian Bureau of Statistics data on plants and plant products production and value
Horticulture Australia Limited data on plants and plant products production and value
relevant internal organisational data on plants and plant products
Quality standards and principles may include:
accreditation processes for organic fruits, vegetables and grain products
Safe Quality Food 2000 and/or equivalent systems
Safe Quality Food 1000 for some horticulture produce particularly at grower level
Freshcare
AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000
Government programs to promote 'clean and green' produce
Government programs to promote sustainable agriculture
Strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk may include:
changes to state and territory government acts and/or regulations on plants and plant products
development or alteration of interstate plant and plant products import requirements
development or alteration of pest, disease and weed protocols, procedures and contingency plans
development or alteration of plant and plant product sector client service, communication, training or compliance programs
Plant movement health risk may include:
spread of plant pests, diseases and weeds
negative impacts on market access for the Australian plant and plant products sectors
increased costs of production within the Australian plant and plant products sectors
negative environmental and social impacts
Plants and plant products may include:
fruits
vegetables
field crops
grain products
nursery stock, including whole plants and propagating material
cut flowers and cut foliage
seeds
tissue culture
Treatments may include:
chemical (insecticides, fungicides, fumigation etc)
physical (heat, cold treatment, physical containment or exclusion etc)
irradiation
surveys
inspection and certification
Clients may include:
growers/packers of plants and plant products
interstate importers and exporters of plants and plant products
wholesalers of plants and plant products
retailers of plants and plant products
transporters of plants and plant products
treatment providers (e.g. fumigators) of plants and plant products
travellers
Requirements in relation to the movement of plants and plant products include:
relevant state and territory government acts and regulations on plants and plant products
interstate plant and plant products import requirements
relevant pest, disease and weed protocols, procedures and contingency plans
Common risks may include:
quarantine risks associated with the production location, pre-harvest and post-harvest treatment and handling, storage, transport and intrastate and interstate movement of plants and plant products
Pre-harvest preventative and disinfestation methods may include:
physical barriers (e.g. fruit bagging, netting, insect-free glasshouses)
biological control
use of resistant varieties
root stock
integrated pest management
chemical methods (for non-organics)
Post-harvest preventative and disinfestation methods may include:
physical barriers (e.g. sealed packages and containers, shrink wrapping, insect-proof cartons, storage facilities)
maturity at harvest
unbroken skin at harvest
cold storage
hot water treatment
fumigation for non-organics
fumigation for organics
chemical dips and sprays (for non-organics)
irradiation (for non-organics)
Packaging types and technologies (for fruits, vegetables and cut flowers) may include:
main types of packages
sulphur pads
ethylene absorbers
foam padding and other methods of preventing mechanical injuries
re-used and recycled packaging
Storage conditions (for fruits, vegetables and cut flowers) may include:
humidity
temperature
modified atmosphere
controlled atmosphere
special or specific packaging
fumigation and other treatments
consideration of storage life
consideration of shelf life
chilling injury
high temperature injury
onset of post harvest disorders
(Basic nursery and cut flower) production techniques may include:
propagation
watering
fertilising
glasshouse cultivation
hydroponics
re-potting
growing media
Participation in the development of strategies may include:
membership of work teams or project teams that review, develop, implement and monitor risk management strategies
consultation and liaison with relevant industry and government bodies
Statistical information on plants and plant products may include:
Australian Bureau of Statistics data on plants and plant products production and value
Horticulture Australia Limited data on plants and plant products production and value
relevant internal organisational data on plants and plant products
Quality standards and principles may include:
accreditation processes for organic fruits, vegetables and grain products
Safe Quality Food 2000 and/or equivalent systems
Safe Quality Food 1000 for some horticulture produce particularly at grower level
Freshcare
AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000
Government programs to promote 'clean and green' produce
Government programs to promote sustainable agriculture
Strategies to manage plant and plant product movement health risk may include:
changes to state and territory government acts and/or regulations on plants and plant products
development or alteration of interstate plant and plant products import requirements
development or alteration of pest, disease and weed protocols, procedures and contingency plans
development or alteration of plant and plant product sector client service, communication, training or compliance programs
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations
PSPGOV508A Manage conflict
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV514A Facilitate change
PSPGOV517A Coordinate risk management
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety
RUHHRT529A Manage weed, pest and disease infestations
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
management of plant movement health risk in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) relating to plants and plant products that include:
fruits
vegetables
field crops
grain products
nursery stock, including whole plants and propagating material
cut flowers and cut foliage
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standards relating to inspection and monitoring
certification requirements
statistical information
sample plants and plant products, both healthy and infested
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when managing plant movement health risk
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
an environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when managing plant movement health risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and break downs in routine
management of plant movement health risk in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) such as those relating to fruits, vegetables, field crops, grain products, nursery stock, cut flowers and cut foliage
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular target groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and/or apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations
PSPGOV508A Manage conflict
PSPGOV511A Provide leadership
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV514A Facilitate change
PSPGOV517A Coordinate risk management
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPOHS501A Monitor and maintain workplace safety
RUHHRT529A Manage weed, pest and disease infestations
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
management of plant movement health risk in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) relating to plants and plant products that include:
fruits
vegetables
field crops
grain products
nursery stock, including whole plants and propagating material
cut flowers and cut foliage
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standards relating to inspection and monitoring
certification requirements
statistical information
sample plants and plant products, both healthy and infested
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when managing plant movement health risk
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
an environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when managing plant movement health risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and break downs in routine
management of plant movement health risk in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) such as those relating to fruits, vegetables, field crops, grain products, nursery stock, cut flowers and cut foliage
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular target groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and/or apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWT75 | PSPREG023 | Manage plant movement health risk | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J301 | PSP50112 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |
| C769 | PSP50104 | Diploma of Government | Qualification |