Australia’s first national biosecurity strategy — providing direction for the nation’s biosecurity system to meet the challenges of the next decade — is open for consultation.
Announcing the opportunity for comment, Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said management of the national biosecurity system was becoming increasingly complex, creating new challenges for Governments, industry and other stakeholders.
“Strong and efficient biosecurity is even more important as we, and the rest of the world, respond to emerging challenges and recover our economy post-COVID,” Mr Littleproud said.
Noting that a secure biosecurity system protected the export industries of agriculture, forestry and fisheries worth $58.9 billion to the nation, the Minister said a national biosecurity strategy “will link our ambition and collective efforts to strengthen our biosecurity system in order to protect our environment, economy and way of life”.
He said the strategy was being developed by the National Biosecurity Committee and involved representatives of the Australian, State and Territory Governments, industry, environmental groups, community and other stakeholders.
“We want to hear your views on what a national biosecurity strategy should focus on,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Your input will help shape the early development of the strategy and subsequent engagement.”
Public submissions for this first phase of consultation can be lodged until 26 November and a consultation draft is expected to be ready by early 2022.
Information on how to have a say can be accessed at this PS News link.
