Issued by Senator the Hon Murray Watt - former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Budget protects Australia's biosecurity system
The Albanese Government is investing $134 million in biosecurity measures that protect Australia from threats such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD).
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the funding would further bolster Australia’s strongest ever response to an exotic biosecurity threat.
“This year we have seen two highly contagious and potentially deadly livestock diseases spread through Indonesia, FMD and LSD,” Minister Watt said.
“Varroa Mite and a range of plant diseases also threaten a range of Australian producers.
“Australia remains free of FMD and LSD but we can’t afford to take our foot off the pedal and get complacent on our biosecurity.
“That’s why we have dedicated funding in this Budget to support our biosecurity system and be proactive about protecting Australia. This funding will be put towards a number of different initiatives, both domestically and abroad.
Minister Watt said while our current system is robust, the disease risk on our doorstep means it is time to act.
“That’s why we’ve put $46.7 million towards Australia’s livestock traceability system,” he said.
“This is more than double the commitment made by the previous government and will strengthen our world-class livestock traceability system. Importantly, it will make sure the underlying database is fit for purpose and secure into the future.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with state and territory governments as well as industry to make sure this important reform is a success, ahead of implementation in 2025.
The Budget also includes $61.6 million of fast-tracked funding to improve our preparedness at home, to assist our near neighbours and to build our surveillance and detection capacity in northern Australia.
“This will help to manage risk in passenger and mail pathways, fund more biosecurity officers to sustain the increased screening at airports and mail centres and continue the deployment of sanitisation mats.
“This is a substantial down payment on our election commitment to deliver long-term sustainable biosecurity funding.
“This government is committed to backing our agriculture sector all the way.”