20 Apr 2016
Last week saw the long anticipated release of the independent Biosecurity Capability Review and the government’s interim response. The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) welcomed the release as a first step in addressing and improving the current system.
The review makes 32 recommendations, the majority based on well-known and agreed gaps within the biosecurity system. The Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson stated that to implement the all these recommendations it would cost in the vicinity of $20million. It is disappointing that after seven months of delay in releasing the final report and the government’s response, appropriate funding has not yet been secured to deliver these much needed reforms.
QFF and its industry members remain resolute in calling on the government to step up to the plate and fund the recommendations.
We are pleased that both Minister Donaldson and opposition spokesperson Deb Frecklington have indicated support to fund the recommendations. Without any identifiable political barriers QFF calls on both the Government and Opposition to come to a bipartisan agreement and invest in Queensland’s biosecurity.
It is encouraging to see the government identifying industry based Best Management Practice (BMP) programs as part of the solution. Programs such as the award winning nursery and garden BioSecure HACCP program and the Horticulture industry’s Hort360 (to name just two) have their foundations in delivering on farm biosecurity and market access ready production systems. Our intensive industries already have the framework for a comprehensive rollout across Queensland.
It should be noted that the review highlighted the concept of shared responsibility in relation to biosecurity. The concept features heavily in the rhetoric and industry welcomes the concept in principle but this does not mean that government can side step its share of biosecurity responsibility to industry and the community. The government must provide the legal mechanisms, frameworks and financial support for industry to appropriately participate in any agreed shared responsibility on biosecurity.
An investment in a modern and effective biosecurity structure in Queensland will benefit our membership with their wide variety of plant based and intensive animal industries. The majority of investment in biosecurity frameworks will benefit both plant and animal industries and it is important that both are allocated appropriate funding so business and safety are maintained.
QFF’s industry members have significant investments and interests in strong biosecurity in Queensland. By ensuring that we have the capability to prepare for and respond to exotic biosecurity pest and disease threats, we can secure our industries and reap positive flow on effects to our regional communities.
If Queensland wants to be the preferred supplier of clean and green high quality food and fibre to the domestic and international markets we need a biosecurity system well-funded and second to none. Biosecurity is so essential to our state’s safety and prosperity that is should sit above any budgetary politics.
QFF, along with its industry members, is looking forward to working with the government to ensure that the majority of the recommendations are implemented and appropriately funded.
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