People planning international travel now that COVID limitations are being lifted are being reminded to bear in mind and comply with Australia’s biosecurity conditions as their flights recommence.
Issuing the reminder, the Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said travellers should keep biosecurity front of mind and not bring food, meat, fruit or other risky items back into Australia.
“Despite the impact of COVID-19 on passenger arrivals, between January 2020 and October 2021, more than 75,000 international travellers were intercepted with over 100,000 biosecurity risk items, with pork, fruit, spices and dirty footwear the most common items,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Pork items can carry African swine fever, which is a huge threat for our pork industry and farmers,” he said.
“Plant cuttings can carry risks including Xylella fastidiosa, which could devastate our horticultural industries and cost our grape and wine industry $7.9 billion over 50 years.”
He said that for people who did the wrong thing and did not declare risk items, the infringement notice fine had been increased from $420 to $2,664 and for more serious offences international visitors could have their visas cancelled.
“It is great that we can travel again, but we need everyone to buy into biosecurity, make your trip one to remember for the right reasons and help us protect Australia from pests and diseases,” Mr Littleproud said.
