Biosecurity levy may yet not be dead and buried

The Federal Government say they’re still consulting with the sector to find a solution, but what those consultations look like remains unclear.

The controversial biosecurity levy that was ultimately voted down by Senate leaders in May may not yet be dead and buried.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt told the Global Food Forum in Brisbane last week the government was still consulting with the sector to find a solution.

“I recognise at this point in time we haven’t been able to get the numbers in the Senate to get that through,” he said.

“I don’t think it was unreasonable to ask farmers to make a very small contribution towards something that really is the foundation of their livelihood. But we’ll keep having those discussions.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt speaking at the Global Food Forum in Brisbane. Picture: Glenn Hunt

What those discussions look like or what consultations are currently happening remain unclear, with Cattle Australia saying they have not been approached for consultations on the levy.

“If the Government wants to recast biosecurity funding, it is important a proper assessment of both the risk creators and all the beneficiaries of the system is undertaken,” Cattle Australia chief executive Chris Parker said.

Mr Watt did not disclose which industry groups his team were currently consulting with, but reiterated that biosecurity was a shared responsibility among taxpayers, importers, travellers and other risk creators.

“A very small contribution from farmers would not break the bank, but a massive biosecurity outbreak would,” he said.

GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said any renewed discussions regarding revisiting the levy must start with improved transparency and accountability for where levy funds are redirected.

“It’s absolutely crucial that if they’re going to take money off farmers and producers that it can’t get lost to bureaucracy,” he said.

GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton. Picture: Richard Wainwright

National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke. Picture: Martin Ollman

National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke said the government needs to “call time on the tax”, and said farmers are already spending hundreds of millions every year towards biosecurity through existing ag levies.

“We’re open to sensible opportunities to improve biosecurity outcomes. We’re particularly keen to understand what trade impediments exist to implementing a container levy,” he said.

“But right now, it’s time for the Government to withdraw the failed levy legislation so we can all move on and focus on what’s important, ensuring Australia has a world leading biosecurity system.”