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.
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