Australia could be hit with a COVID-sized budget blackhole if biosecurity measures aren't boosted, a peak advocacy group says.
NSW Farmers Biosecurity chair Ian McColl said the cost of a Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak would be similar to the cost of the JobKeeper program if it arrived on our shores.
"The government's own numbers estimate the potential cost of an FMD outbreak would be about $80 billion - that would absolutely smash our economic recovery from COVID," Mr McColl said.
"This is not the only biosecurity threat we're facing - Lumpy Skin Disease is also present in Indonesia, and we're seeing the continuing efforts to eradicate Varroa mite impact beekeepers and the horticulture sector.
"Farmers have argued for stronger, sustainably-funded biosecurity systems for years - it is absolutely critical the federal government lifts its spending in this space on Budget night."
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, FMD is endemic throughout much of Asia and in most parts of Africa and the Middle East. There is a risk that trade or travellers to any of these countries could bring FMD into Australia, Mr McColl said, which was why it was so important to have strict biosecurity controls at our border.
"Earlier this year we saw FMD fragments detected that came in through meat products," Mr McColl said.
"We have strongly advocated for the federal government to boost screening and put in place a sustainable funding model for biosecurity efforts, and work hand-in-hand with states and other stakeholders to ensure everyone knows exactly who needs to do what and when.
"These threats are very hard to get rid of once they arrive, and they are incredibly costly, so it is far better for us to spend a little on prevention now than a lot on the cure later."
