Farmers focused on future biosecurity regime

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) recently met with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to provide advice and feedback on the draft documents designed to support the Biosecurity Act 2015.
NFF Biosecurity Taskforce Chair Ron Cullen said it was critical for industry to provide a clear and consistent voice to ensure the effectiveness of Australia’s biosecurity regime.
“We met with Government officials to present specific and practical issues to be addressed via legislation. Its important industry has confidence that the legislation will provide for a sound, strong and sustainable biosecurity regime for Australia,” Mr Cullen said.
Some of the specific issues discussed included the Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis process, the function of the Director General of Biosecurity and compliance and enforcement provisions.
“The NFF Biosecurity Taskforce has committed to a sustained, coordinated consultation process with the Department in the lead-up to commencement of the legislation on 16 June 2016,” Mr Cullen said.
The Government has indicated a willingness to listen to the primary production sector’s priorities and to build these into the documents, ensuring the underpinning of Australia’s future production capacity, profitability and growth.”