PIRSA waives $167 an hour inspection fees for imported fodder after farmer outrage

Amid one of the worst droughts on record, farmers are toasting their win against bureaucracy after the government changed its stance on a “shocking” fee.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven on Sunday announced farmers would no longer have to pay $167 an hour for departmental staff to inspect hay purchased from regions infected with pests. Picture: Mark Brake

Farmers no longer have to pay for biosecurity officers to tick off on fodder imported from interstate after the State Government agreed to waive inspection fees.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven on Sunday announced farmers would no longer have to pay $167 an hour for departmental staff to inspect hay purchased from regions infected with pests such as red imported fire ants and green snail.

The announcement came after pressure from farmers and the opposition who were outraged the fee was still being charged despite the state being in the midst of one of the worst droughts on record.

“We know times are incredibly tough at the moment and this fee relief is another way that we can help support farmers through this difficult time,” Ms Scriven said.

Mid Murray farmer Alex McGorman said he was shocked when told last week he would have to pay for PIRSA staff to inspect a load of hay he purchased from Queensland. Picture: Dean Martin

Biosecurity inspections will continue to occur, with no cost to drought-affected farmers and rebates will be available for inspection fees paid since November 2024. Picture: Dean Martin

“It is critically important that biosecurity inspections continue and everyone complies with the requirements to protect our producers from the economic risk that results from the introduction of new pests.

“The last thing we want for our farmers is another significant problem to deal with. We also want farmers to know that we are listening and working to relieve the financial burden where we can.”

Biosecurity inspections will continue to occur, with no cost to drought-affected farmers. Rebates will be available for inspection fees paid since November 2024.

Mid Murray farmer Alex McGorman said he was shocked when told last week he would have to pay for PIRSA staff to inspect a load of hay he purchased from Queensland for his lamb feedlot at Sanderson, north of Palmer.

Liberal primary industries spokeswoman Nicola Centofanti said the announcement was a win for the advocacy of both the opposition and farmers. Picture: Supplied

“I don’t want a government handout but I do believe they should cut some red tape,” he said.

“It was something they could do easily and they’ve managed to do it which is good. It’s common sense. They shouldn’t be charging a fee.”

Liberal primary industries spokeswoman Nicola Centofanti said the announcement was a win for the advocacy of the opposition and farmers.

“Farmers, already at breaking point, were forced to cop extra costs for a departmental process. The stress and confusion this caused in drought-hit regions is unacceptable.”

Originally published as PIRSA waives $167 an hour inspection fees for imported fodder after farmer outrage