BIOSECURITY BOOST IS VITAL FOR AUSTRALIA

The Australian Government is investing $66.6 million to ensure Australia’s biosecurity system is up to the task of managing threats, such as African swine fever (ASF).

Luke Howarth MP, Federal Member for Petrie, welcomed the government’s recent announcement of the ASF Response Package because of the vital importance of a strong biosecurity to communities across the region.

“Australia’s biosecurity system protects us from a range of threats that could devastate our economy, food industries, trade, environment and our way of life,” Mr Howarth said.

“Petrie has a rich and diverse food culture and any threat to the food supply would be felt by locals and the greater community.

“ASF is potentially one of the most damaging animal disease events the world has seen and is on our doorstep in Timor-Leste.

“If it arrived in Australia, ASF could devastate our $5.2 billion pork industry and have a significant impact on our farmers, communities and economy.

“From restaurants and cafés to burger shops and taverns, pork is a common ingredient in so many dishes and meals.

“The government’s ASF Response Package will put more officers, detector dogs and 3D x-ray machines on the ground to address the threat of ASF.

“Those who bring pork products into Australia for sale that aren’t properly declared will be targeted by a new squad of post-border biosecurity officers.

“We’re also planning for the worst case scenario, should ASF breach our borders so we do not lose valuable market access.

“Incoming passengers, cargo and mail have increased substantially over the years and will continue to increase, which means the task of maintaining biosecurity is also growing.

“To ensure Australia remains free of significant pests and diseases, we all know that our biosecurity system must be sustainably funded and well-resourced.

“Biosecurity is vital for Australia and it is important that we all do our part to support our biosecurity system and keep our country free of significant pests and diseases.”

For more information, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Biosecurity page at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity.