The passing of the Biosecurity Act 2015 is being hailed as the biggest reform to Australia’s biosecurity system in more than a century, and Westpac is encouraging Australian farmers and agribusinesses to have their say in how the associated regulations are being developed over the coming nine months.
The Biosecurity Act 2015 does not come into force until 16 June 2016, with the interval allowing people and organisations to make a smooth transition and to join in consultations as new Biosecurity Regulations are developed.
“The new Biosecurity Act has been more than six years in the making and the Department of Agriculture consulted with more than 400 organisations to get it right,” said Mr Steve Hannan, Westpac’s General Manager Agribusiness.
“This is good news for Australia’s farmers because a strong biosecurity system means crops are safer from exotic pests and livestock are safer from introduced diseases.
“A recent ABARES report found that an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Australia could devastate our livestock industries and cost billions of dollars over many years.
“The new biosecurity system will greatly reduce Australia’s risk of such devastating pests and diseases – plus it will reduce compliance costs across the supply chain because of improved processes.
“Westpac Agribusiness is keen to see all Australian agribusinesses become educated in the new biosecurity systems that will be put in place next year, particularly in the consultation process for the detailed regulations,” said Mr Hannan.
Public consultation is now open for the first regulation, and more information is available on the Department of Agriculture’s website.
“Our latest edition of Produce magazine has a more in depth feature about the new Act and what it means for Australia’s primary producers,” said Mr Hannan.
Produce can be found online at http://www.westpac.com.au/business-banking/industries/agribusiness/produce-magazine.
teve Hannan, Westpac’s General Manager Agribusiness
