Biosecurity investment for a safe Australia



As communicated in our previous Biosecurity Advocacy Update, IFCBAA continues to work with the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (the department) and other industry stakeholders to identify and prioritise short and long term co-design solutions to reform the 'end to end' biosecurity system. 
  
At the recent Busting Import Congestion - Co-Design Working Group meeting hosted by the department, IFCBAA raised again the key areas of interest to members that need priority and actions to speed up the process of clearing cargo under biosecurity control. 
  
As you may be aware IFCBAA has set the agenda for biosecurity reform to speed up the biosecurity border clearance, which will not only help members but the entire trading industry.
  
As a direct result of IFCBAA advocacy with the Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management The Hon David Littleproud MP is committed to faster biosecurity border clearance and said “While biosecurity must come first, it is also important that we explore more innovative ways of operating, as doing more of the same is not an option”
  
Today Minister Littleproud published a Media Release announcing the government investment in the biosecurity system, which includes $1.5 million to review current systems and bust import congestion and $3.2 million, already announced, to trial new industry arrangements that aim to reduce red tape and biosecurity regulatory costs for importers and agricultural businesses. The Minister said “ The investment package is comprehensive, it complements the reforms we are implementing across our biosecurity system, to make it modern, efficient and keep Australians safe” 
  
The reforms include investment and business improvements to address recommendations made by the independent Inspector-General of Biosecurity, which the IFCBAA met with and lodged a formal submission highlighting the issues that impact our members as service providers. Read the full Media Release, click HERE.
  
IFCBAA commends Minister Littleproud, Secretary & Deputy and Senior Executives at the department for listening to our concerns raised. IFCBAA is committed to continuing work with the department on the short and long term co-design solutions to reform the 'end to end' biosecurity system and will keep you informed of any developments. 
  
Thanks for your understanding, ongoing patience and cooperation as we work on the biosecurity reform.
  

IFCBAA Team