Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries
Media Release
Northern Territory produces over half of Australia's Mangoes
8 January 2024
The Territory Labor Government is supporting the Territory's livestock and agricultural industry to become world-class.
Today, the Livestock and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced into the Legislative Assembly.
This Bill will take necessary action to strengthen the Territory's biosecurity and health capabilities.
In recent years, the Territory has faced an increase in evolving pest and animal disease threats, as such to address these challenges a core amendment will be to provide the Minister and Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) proportionate powers to respond to emergency animal disease threats.
Further, as animal disease threats continue to evolve, it is a priority the CVO is able to provide appropriate Police Officers the same powers as livestock inspectors in an animal disease emergency situation.
The amendments also seek to update disease control measures to align with modern biosecurity requirements, legislate the implementation of voluntary 'biosecurity management plans', and amend the Livestock Act 2008 and the Livestock Act 2023 in line with contemporise practices.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries, Mark Monaghan:
"The Territory Labor Government will continue to support and protect our world-class livestock and agricultural industries which punch well above their weight in accessing premium markets domestically and overseas.
"The Territory's agricultural industries return over $1.3 billion a year in combined value to the Territory economy, and it is imperative the legislation which underpins this very important Territory Sector is continually updated.
"The amendments I seek to bring to fruition protect our billion dollar agribusiness industry, support our hard working farmers, provide clarity and extra powers in emergency situations and strengthen the Territory's biosecurity system."
Northern Territory Government
