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Biosecurity funding plan needs clear targets – NSW Farmers

Sheep Central, November 7, 2022

NSW Farmers Biosecurity chair Ian McColl

AUSTRALIA’s farmers have just two weeks to give feedback on a discussion paper seeking ideas on a long-term sustainable biosecurity funding model.

The paper released by the Albanese Government today outlines benefits a strong biosecurity system has for all Australians, along with funding arrangements and investments to support biosecurity operations in the longer term.

The Biosecurity Sustainable Funding discussion paper and an opportunity to provide feedback is available until 21 November 2022, the government said. Recommendations will be presented to the Commonwealth Government in 2023, possibly mid-year.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said there is broad support for sustainable funding and the government wants to discuss with the Australian public the best way to go about that.

“I encourage everyone to look at the discussion paper and give us their views and ideas on what a model could look like.”

Stop buck-passing – NSW Farmers

The National Farmers Federation said it was unable to comment on the release of the discussion paper today, but NSW Farmers welcomed the federal government’s move towards a sustainably-funded biosecurity system. The association said biosecurity finding planning needed ‘clear targets’ and ‘the days of passing the buck need to end.’

NSW Farmers Biosecurity chair Ian McColl said he was concerned about the scope of the paper, which would not consider the biosecurity activities of other jurisdictions. The lessons of COVID-19, Mr McColl said, were that gaps in bureaucratic oversight led to gaps in control and response efforts.

“We cannot afford to have the states and the Commonwealth pointing fingers and passing the buck while a disease or pest spreads far and wide, which is precisely what we saw with COVID.

“It is absolutely critical that we have a biosecurity system that is focused on the outcome of keeping disease, pests and weeds out, regardless of who is responsible for compliance or funding,” he said.

“If we fail to get everyone on the same page, and leave gaps in the system, we run the risk of wasting time and effort in the event of an outbreak.”

Mr McColl said farmers wanted what most Australians wanted – governments to get on with the job, and sort out jurisdictional issues later.

“People in rural communities couldn’t care less if it’s state or federal or local money funding something, as long as it gets funded,” Mr McColl said.

“Because they are the people who will feel the impact of an $80 billion Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak, they’re the ones who will lose work and won’t be able to move around.

“This discussion paper is one part of the puzzle – the other part will be all governments working hand-in-hand with other stakeholders to ensure everyone knows exactly who needs to do what and when,” he said.

“The biosecurity threats not just to our food and fibre production, but to our entire economy are quite serious.

“We have been arguing for some time that we need sustainable funding and a long-term view of biosecurity controls to keep our country pest and disease free,” Mr McColl said.

“This is a promising move from the federal government, and I would encourage everyone to take a look at the discussion paper and have their say.”

Biosecurity system facing increasing pressure – Watt

Mr Watt said Australia’s biosecurity system is facing increasing pressure from disrupted global trade supply chains and travel.

“This year we have seen two highly contagious and potentially deadly livestock diseases spread through Indonesia – Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease,” Mr Watt said.

“Australia is free of both diseases, and since their appearance, Indonesia is making good progress on getting them under control,” he said.

“But it’s demonstrated that we can’t afford to take our foot off the pedal and get complacent on our biosecurity.

“The October Budget includes a $134 million down-payment on the Government’s commitment to long-term, sustainable funding for biosecurity, by investing in front line staff, 20 new detector dogs and stronger defences against the threat of FMD and other diseases,” Mr Watt said.

“We are also laying the foundations for a national livestock traceability scheme that delivers a fit-for-purpose, modern system to protect our valuable livestock industries.”

Sustainable funding model delivery is complex – DAFF

A Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries spokesperson said the delivery of a sustainable funding model is complex

“It will take time to design and implement, and it needs to be developed through full and transparent consultation.

“The Albanese Government wants to develop a sustainable funding model that is equitable, transparent and accountable,” the spokesperson said.

“In addition to the discussion paper, we have commenced targeted consultation with key stakeholders, including importers, producer groups and the state and territory governments.

“We are also consulting broadly across other portfolios and agencies to ensure we develop a whole of government approach.”

Click here to have your say on biosecurity funding before 21 November, 2022.

Click here to read the discussion paper.

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