Biosecurity steps up to meet fears of pests, diseases

Tasmania has a new advisory committee to oversee stronger Biodiversity rules as protecting out honey, salmon and other agricultural industries becomes more important than ever.

TASMANIA’S promised independent Biosecurity Advisory Committee has been established as new laws to protect the state are implemented.

Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett said biosecurity was essential to Tasmania’s agricultural productivity, continued market access, our reputation for high quality primary products and the health of our natural environment.

“We face increasing challenges in managing biosecurity because of trade globalisation, internet commerce and the ease of travel, which provides new pathways for pests and disease to enter the state,” he said

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“Tasmania is moving ahead with fully implementing strong new nation-leading biosecurity laws to protect the state, because it is critical that we have effective legislation to protect our primary industries, Brand Tasmania and the natural environment.”

The Biosecurity Act was passed by parliament in 2019 and began operating in January this year, with DPIPWE progressively implementing a suite of new regulations, administrative systems and resources.