Ausveg says National Biosecurity Strategy helps with ongoing support

Federal agriculture minister Murray Watt announced the strategy which comes after a National Biosecurity Statement was agreed to in 2018 by federal, state and territory ministers.

The strategy will help ensure that governments and industry work together to protect Australia from the threat of harmful pests and diseases.

Ausveg chief executive officer Michael Coote said the industry has been calling for long-term, ongoing support for the nation's biosecurity system, with recent biosecurity threats and incursions proof that biosecurity is too important to be left to chance.

"As we have seen recently, ensuring Australia has a strong and well-resourced biosecurity system is vital for Australia's agriculture industry and important for the health and safety of every Australian," Mr Coote said.

"While we have natural advantages due to our geographical location, we cannot afford to be complacent."

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The release of the Strategy completes the first step of the Biosecurity Collective's five-point plan, which also aims to establish 2021-2030 as the Decade of Biosecurity.

Plant Health Australia CEO Sarah Corcoran the strategy was a positive use of funds.

"As our world is changing and biosecurity threats become more complex, it is imperative that we invest our collective efforts in a common purpose with clear outputs," Ms Corcoran said.

Animal Health Australia and PHA were part of the Strategy's working group, and the ISC participated in the reference group.

Many members of the four organisations making up the Biosecurity Collective also participated in the Strategy's consultation phases to ensure it was fit-for-purpose across the system.

Mr Coote said recent biosecurity outbreaks, including fall armyworm, serpentine leafminer and Varroa mite, as well as the ominous threat of foot and mouth disease just over the border, have shown the tremendous economic and emotional toll.

"Ausveg has been a vocal supporter of a coordinated, long-term, ongoing funding model that ensures the nation's biosecurity system is well-resourced and effective," he said.

"We note that more detail is needed on the funding model to enact this strategy and we are keen to work with the government to ensure that industry's needs are met through the new strategy.

"Our biosecurity system needs ongoing resources that are dedicated to keeping our borders safe from harmful and dangerous pests and diseases."

"The agriculture industry is working towards a target of $100 billion in value in 2030 and requires a robust and effective biosecurity system to protect crops and communities for harmful pests and diseases."

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