Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock recently acknowledged the federal government's decision to discard the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy, describing it as a fair outcome for growers. "Biosecurity remains a shared responsibility," Hancock stated. "It is an essential part of protecting Australia's agricultural industry, economy, environment, and communities, but Citrus Australia has long maintained the now-scrapped levy would have placed an undue cost on growers, who already invest heavily in on-farm biosecurity measures."
Hancock emphasized the need for the government to prioritize biosecurity funding through consolidated revenue, aiming for real protections for agriculture and beyond. "Citrus Australia remains committed to working with the government on sustainable, long-term solutions that support Australian growers and safeguard our biosecurity future," he said. With the levy removed, industry leaders urge the government to engage in discussions on a funding model that ensures effective biosecurity measures without disproportionately impacting growers. By securing adequate and fair funding, Australia's agricultural sector can maintain strong defenses against biosecurity threats.
The Biosecurity Protection Levy, intended to require farmers to contribute $50 million annually toward national biosecurity measures, aimed at creating a sustainable funding model for agriculture protection. However, opposition arose from the agricultural sector, including Citrus Australia, arguing it unfairly burdened growers while not addressing biosecurity threats from imports. Political resistance led to the bill's withdrawal from parliament.
The government now plans to explore alternative funding mechanisms to maintain strong biosecurity without disproportionately targeting producers.
Source: Citrus Industry