$14 million package builds on biosecurity protection

The Albanese Government has announced the latest tranche of measures to further strengthen Australia’s protection from international biosecurity threats.

The $14 million biosecurity package will bolster Australia’s frontline defence and provide more technical support for countries currently battling foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD).

The package contains $9 million for frontline biosecurity and industry preparedness measures to protect Australia against the risks posed by FMD and LSD. This includes 18 new biosecurity officers in airports and mail centres, and targeted diagnostic and surveillance activities targeting FMD and LSD.

A further $5 million will be used to provide technical expertise and support to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea to assist their work in combatting livestock diseases.

This includes personnel and logistic support for the distribution of vaccines, along with testing and epidemiological work.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the new measures would build upon the strong framework already in place.

“This is a two-pronged package that seeks to help our neighbours with the current threat overseas, while keeping our border strong,” Minister Watt said.

“The Federal Government is taking this seriously, and we need every traveller to do their bit too.”

This package comes on top of yesterday’s announcement of one million FMD vaccines to help with the Indonesian rollout, and $500,000 of industry to industry biosecurity support through Meat and Livestock Australia.

For more information on FMD visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/footandmouthdisease