$47.1 million boost for biosecurity over past year

The Albanese Government has delivered an additional $47.1 million to the national biosecurity system under a revised fees and charges regime, part of its commitment to deliver a more sustainably funded biosecurity system.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the changes to the biosecurity cost recovery system were helping to create a long-term, effective funding model for Australia’s robust biosecurity system.

“A strong biosecurity system protects our $84 billion agriculture industry, national economy and our way of life,” Minister Watt said.

“Prior to the review in 2023, fees and charges for importers had not changed since 2015, but the costs of delivering biosecurity and imported food regulatory activity had increased.

“That’s why twelve months ago we moved to align cost recovery fees and charges with the actual cost of delivering biosecurity activities.

“The changes to the fees and charges in place since July 2023 is one way that the Australian Government is working to ensure that importers and other risk creators pay their fair share of the cost of protecting us from exotic pests and diseases.

“Total cost recovery revenue from importers in the first 12 months to July 2024 was $360.1 million, adding an extra $47.1 million into the biosecurity system over the last financial year.”

International travellers will also be paying a share of the costs to manage biosecurity risks at Australian airports and cruise terminals with an increase to the Passenger Movement Charge which came into effect on 1 July 2024.

Minister Watt said this funding is vital to the protection of Australian industries and must be readily available to fund scalable responses to emerging biosecurity threats.

“It is now two years since the initial outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Indonesia that saw over 12,000 new cases on our doorstep each day,” Minister Watt said.

“I am proud that the strength and agility of our national biosecurity system means that Australia remains free from FMD.

“Sustainable funding means the ability to rapidly deploy early detection and prevention measures at the Australian border and provide direct support to near neighbours such as Indonesia to manage disease outbreaks.

“That saw a prompt response under enhanced border measures including targeted communications to passengers travelling to and from Indonesia, increased screening and intervention of passengers arriving from Indonesia and redeployment and retraining of detector dogs, among a comprehensive range of initiatives.

“The Australian Government has also committed $16.3 million to date to support Indonesia’s FMD response, including 4 million doses of FMD vaccines costing approximately $5.9 million.

“Our support has directly contributed to Indonesia’s response to FMD and has strengthened the integrity of our national biosecurity system.

“Working with and supporting our near neighbours helps ensure our ongoing favourable biosecurity status, and the many benefits that this provides our important agriculture industry and communities.

“As biosecurity risks continue to evolve, including in our region, a sustainably funded biosecurity system means we are better placed to meet the challenges of the future.”

Visit the department’s website to read The Biosecurity Cost Recovery Implementation Statement 2023-2024.