As members will recall, Paul Zalai [Director Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA)] was a Ministerial appointee on the 2019 Biosecurity Import Levy Steering Group which strongly recommended a move away from the models originally proposed by then Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to a simple administrative collection model against the Full Import Declaration (FID) receipt – further detail available HERE
Following broad industry consultation and further consideration of the impacts on industry during the pandemic, the then Federal Government announced in May 2022 a decision not to proceed with the Levy – refer HERE.
A change of government has seen a return of the Levy discussion under the reference of "Sustainable Biosecurity Funding".
At a post Budget breakfast Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said
"Put together with the traceability measures I'll mention in a moment, this is a substantial down payment on our election commitment to deliver long-term sustainable biosecurity funding.
We will have more to say on this commitment in the future, after we properly consult with industry and other stakeholders. The previous government botched their introduction of a biosecurity levy because they were more interested in the announcement than talking to those affected. We will not make the same mistakes.
We understand this is a complex matter that requires careful consideration and time to engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders. And we will begin that conversation formally next week."
As a means of recommencing formal industry engagement, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released a discussion paper titled Sustainable funding and investment to strengthen biosecurity.
The department has set an initial short period of time to seek feedback on the following key questions: - Considering the potential funding options and opportunities outlined in the discussion paper, as well as from your experience, what elements do you think a sustainable biosecurity funding model should include? Are there elements that should not be included; if so, why?
- How would your proposed model operate at a practical level and who would it apply to?
- How would your proposed model impact you and others? What would be the benefits or disadvantages to you and/or other stakeholders?
- Is the proportionality between those who contribute to the funding system and those who benefit the most, right?
- Are there other technologies, current or emerging, that could be employed to increase the efficiency of the biosecurity system, and perhaps reduce operational cost?
- How could the Commonwealth Government improve efficiency in the biosecurity system (consistent with meeting our Appropriate Level of Protection)?
- What other investments or actions could the Commonwealth Government make or take to sustainably support the delivery of biosecurity activities?
We encourage members to make a direct contribution to the department by 4pm (AEDT) 21 November 2022.
To incorporate your views into the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) formal submission, please provide details to me at smilici@FTAlliance.com.au by 14 November 2022. |