The portfolio was created after the 1996 general election. Previously, biosecurity matters had been under the purview of the Minister of Agriculture; it was John Falloon, acting in that portfolio, who had been responsible for the passage of the Biosecurity Act 1993. Briefly from 1998 to 1999 and again from 2011 to 2017, the portfolio was consolidated with other primary industries portfolios, first as the Minister for Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and Border Control and latterly as the Minister for Primary Industries.
List of ministers for biosecurity
The following ministers have held the office of Minister for Biosecurity.
↑From 31 August 1998 until 10 December 1999, the portfolio was titled Minister for Food, Fibre, Biosecurity and Border Control and responsibility for the former Biosecurity portfolio was delegated to the associate minister, David Carter.
↑Sutton acted in the portfolio from 23 February 2001.