Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Media Release, 6 September 2021

Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and Territorians are being encouraged to join the conversation with the community consultation now open on the Northern Territory’s livestock biosecurity laws.

The review will seek industry and community feedback to better inform the scope of legislative reforms, and ensure the legislation is modern, resilient and flexible.

A survey questionnaire is now available online and closes on Monday, 4 October 2021.

The main areas of the consultation are:

• strengthening the Territory’s biosecurity traceability system through modernisation and integrating national livestock identification, traceability and livestock movements
• strengthening biosecurity control measures for emerging disease threats, including rapid testing, recognising property-based (on-farm) quality assurance programs, and regulating harmful contaminants and chemical residues
• adoption of nationally agreed Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (AAWSG) for cattle, sheep, saleyards and depots
• issues encountered by industry, such as addressing entry requirements for retrieving stray livestock and reviewing regulatory compliance approaches.

There has been general support from industry for undertaking a comprehensive review of the livestock biosecurity legislative framework. 

Quotes from the Department of Industry Tourism and Trade’s Deputy CEO Agriculture, Fisheries and Defence, Luke Bowen

“Livestock industries support thousands of Territorian jobs and are directly worth $860 million to the Territory’s economy, with flow on economic benefits to business and the community reaching close to $1 billion. 

“A strong biosecurity system will protect, support and grow a sustainable livestock industry providing new global trade and market access opportunities for Territory producers.

“The produce that the Territory exports internationally and nationally has a well-deserved reputation of being safe, reliable, and a premium quality product.

“Whether you are a landowner, producer, transporter, stock agent, or a community member keeping one or two livestock as pets, we all have a role to play in biosecurity.” 

For more information visit haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity-legislation-review