Australia's largest state farming organisation says United Airlines' repeated biosecurity breaches deserve more than a slap on the wrist.
The federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry revealed United Airlines twice failed to report it had brought dogs to Australia - in December 2022 and in March 2024 - and failed to provide biosecurity officers with information when requested or meet prescribed disinfection measures, including procedures to control or kill the insect vectors of human diseases and agricultural pests or other insects, both in August 2023.
But despite the potential seriousness of these multiple breaches, which could have introduced rabies or other exotic pests and diseases that threaten food production, United Airlines was given a "slap on the wrist" according to NSW Farmers Biosecurity Committee chair Tony Hegarty.
"It is unbelievable that our response to an international airline not only repeatedly breaching biosecurity rules, but also refusing to hand over information to authorities, is an enforceable undertaking," Mr Hegarty said.
"This is the equivalent of promising not to do it again after doing it again and again.
"The federal government needs to take breaches seriously and ensure companies like United Airlines also take it seriously, not just give them a slap on the wrist."
According to DAFF, the airline voluntarily agreed to meet a number of requirements over the next 15 months which would be monitored by the department, including "revising their internal processes, systems, and training".
Mr Hegarty said while this arrangement could be enforceable in a court, it was a far lighter response than many Australians would accept as appropriate to protect our food supply.
"Aussies cop a bigger penalty for jaywalking or littering than United Airlines has been dealt, and that's just not good enough," he said.
"You cannot tell me a pilot wouldn't know they had a dog on the plane or what the rules are at their destination, and if they don't know, we need to make sure they do!
"The continued protection of Australia's biosecurity is paramount, and that means a heavier hand when multiple breaches occur."
