Announced changes to the Biosecurity Protection Levy are an important step forward in developing a sustainable system and address some of the concerns raised by industry GrainGrowers said today.
GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said the announcement by for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt highlighted that he was actively listening to industry concerns.
“While there are still issues to be addressed, the announcement is a positive step, and we look forward to further discussions, particularly around accountability and performance issues.”
“For some time, we have been calling for clarification around the charges applied to each commodity group, and the announcement details an approach that will hopefully deliver a more equitable system across Australian agriculture.”
Recently, GrainGrowers called for the government to address four main issues:
- Prior to the legislation being presented to the lower house clarification as to the charges applied to each commodity group and the method of collection.
- Clear guidance as to the future implementation of a container levy or any WTO trade reasons preventing this approach.
- Confirmation that the proposal contains a direct line of sight between the money collected and the money spent on biosecurity.
- Increased accountability and performance reporting on the financial and operational aspects of biosecurity on a regular basis to all stakeholders, particularly primary producers who will be paying the levy and impacted by the activities and outcomes under the proposal.
Mr Turton said while the industry was still analysing the proposed changes, initial suggestions were that the approach was equitable and would likely result in decreased funding imposition for grains.
“As an industry, we asked for a more equitable system, and this is a step down that path. The Minister has said he is committed to strengthening transparency and accountability, and we look forward to further discussion and his announcement on priorities and future spending in the coming weeks.”
Mr Turton said the grains industry already makes a significant contribution through investment in research and development, support for Plant Health Australia, contributions to emergency plant pest responses, as taxpayers and in the everyday operations of their farm enterprises.
“What we need is a biosecurity system that industry is confident in, and that can meet the needs of Australian agriculture. A strong, workable system that protects industry from pests and diseases is in the interests of everyone.”
ends
Media Contact
Chris Rowley
P: 0415 140 253 | Email chris.rowley@graingrowers.com.au