The National Farmers' Federation recognises the additional $47.1 million injection into Australia's biosecurity system over the past year, confirmed by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt today.
The additional funding has been delivered because of the Federal Government's sustainable biosecurity funding reform, which increased fees and charges on importers to achieve full cost recovery from 1 July 2023.
NFF President David Jochinke said the NFF had long called for a cost recovery model to help provide sustainable funding to protect Australia from pests and diseases.
"Keeping fees in step with the actual costs of delivering biosecurity activities is sensible - far more sensible than the Biosecurity Tax lobbed at agriculture as part of the same funding reform.
"The levy was a frustrating distraction for industry and politicians alike.
"While we're still waiting to see whether the Government will withdraw the failed levy legislation, it's great to see us all return the focus to ensuring a strong biosecurity system for the benefit of all Australians.
"This could not come at a more pertinent time as we face down some very real and serious threats, like variants of Avian Influenza.
"We now look forward to working with the Government to further progress Australia's biosecurity system.
"This includes an open and transparent conversation with the Government about exactly what trade impediments exist to implementing a container levy, progressing the National Biosecurity Strategy, and continuing to build biosecurity awareness and best practice."
