DCN - Steering Committee to Examine Biosecurity Levy

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Further to our direct approach from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)  to the Hon. David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and formal submission to the Department of Agiculture and Water Resources (refer HERE), we have received the below Media Release from the Minister's office.


Statement on Biosecurity Levy


Australia's agriculture industry is worth $60 billion and at least 300,000 jobs.
 
If a foreign pest or disease made it into Australia it could ruin agriculture. For instance, if foot and mouth disease was imported into Australia, it would result in at least $50 billion in livestock industry losses.
 
This would send food prices skyrocketing for everyday consumers.
 
It makes sense that those who create risk should contribute proportionately to our biosecurity screening.
 
Most stakeholders accept this.
 
If the taxpayer is burdened with all the costs of biosecurity, then importers will never take their part of the responsibility of keeping Australia free from pests seriously.
 
This Coalition Government announced a levy on importers in the last budget to allow us to invest in more efficient biosecurity measures. Invading pests and diseases can come in on the hulls of ships as well as the decks and storage compartments, as well as in the cargo itself.
 
We've rightly heard concerns of importers around various levy designs the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has presented during consultation on this levy. Consequently I am establishing an industry steering committee so industry itself can help design the levy.
 
The levy will help keep our clean green advantage and will be done in a calm and methodical manner. There is too much at risk to our nation if we don't continue to protect our borders.

FTA in the Media

DAILY CARGO NEWS (DCN) - STEERING COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE BIOSECURITY LEVY

Freight and Trade Alliance director Paul Zalai welcomed the announcement but also questioned aspects of the levy concept.

 

He said it was interesting "that those who create risk should contribute proportionately to the cost of our biosecurity screening".

 

"In this context, is a blanket tax across sea containers, bulk and break-bulk cargo appropriate?" Mr Zalai said.


"What about those entities that go the extra yard to mitigate biosecurity risks under approved arrangements or similar trusted arrangements.


"Surely these entities should see a differential levy as against the remainder who do little address biosecurity risk and place the burden back on the department."


Mr Zalai said it was, however, "great news" the minister had heard industry's concerns about the proposed levy.


"We look forward to supporting the steering committee process which will hopefully generate a fair, effective, transparent and sustainable cost recovery arrangement," he said.

 

Full article available HERE

FTA at the ALC Conference

FTA will also be presenting views on the proposed Biosecurity Import Levy alongside industry colleagues and government representatives at the Australian Logistcs Council "Forum 2019" at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 7 March 2019 - refer HERE

FTA will continue to keep members up to date on this important reform.

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA