National Farmers’ Federation, Media Release, 26 May 2021

The Government has heeded the National Farmers Federation’s call for a strategy to underpin Australia’s biosecurity system, with today’s release of Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030.

“Achieving a risk-based biosecurity system that effectively, efficiently and sustainably protects Australia’s health, economic, environmental and national security interests is essential to protecting Australia’s $62 billion agriculture industry,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.

“Industry has been watching closely as the risk of a biosecurity incursion continues to grow.

“High-risk diseases such as African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease are on our doorstep and Australia’s mail and cargo pathways continue to be pushed to their limits.”

Mr Mahar said the NFF welcomed more than $400 million in this year’s Federal Budget for the expansion and modernisation of Australia’s biosecurity system and that today’s  announcement  was another very important development.

“In the document the Government has identified nine strategic actions, under five enablers: regulation, governance, technology, people and funding, which will support the NFF goal’s for a world-class risk-based biosecurity system.

“The NFF is particularly interested in the action for a funding and investment model to meet emerging needs.

“Since the failure of the biosecurity imports levy, the NFF has been looking for a commitment to a long-term, renewable biosecurity funding stream.

“Through appropriate industry consultation, the NFF hopes to support the government in landing on a sustainable funding model,” Mr Mahar said.

“The NFF looks forward to the announcement of the first annual action plan as flagged in Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 and stands ready to work shoulder to shoulder with all levels of government and industry to ensure our biosecurity system is future-ready.”