The federal government has caved under pressure from peak agricultural bodies with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announcing changes to the unpopular biosecurity levy, but the National Farmers Federation and Maranoa MP David Littleproud are calling for more clarity.
National Farmers Federation President David Jochinke thanked the minister for making changes to the levy, but said there needed to be more transparency about where the levy money was coming from.
“We acknowledge today’s comments by the Minister recognising the significant concerns of industry, including issues related to equitability and transparency,” said Mr Jochinke.
“However we still await significant further information concerning the levy’s design, and what it will practically look like for producers on the ground.
“We also want to see details on the potential impact on the existing levies system; transparency about how the collected funds will actually deliver dedicated, additional and tangible biosecurity outcomes; formalised producer oversight mechanisms; and proper recognition of existing producer contributions to the broader biosecurity system.”
Mr Jochinke said this levy affected the lives of 85,000 farmers, their families and thousands of supply chain participants.
“There is still a gaping hole in information and we call on the Government to keep listening to producers and put in a process to properly address their concerns,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Until such a time that these issues are addressed properly, we remain opposed to the Levy.”
Over 40,000 cattle producers are represented by Cattle Australia and the Chief Executive Dr Chris Parker has applauded the federal government for listening and implementing much needed changes to the biosecurity levy.
“While our preference is that the government capture all sectors in any levy arrangements, the grass-fed cattle industry appreciates now having a seat at the table in discussions surrounding the development and implementation of the levy, and the opportunity to work with government to further understand the details of the amended biosecurity levy design,” Dr Parker said.
“As part of forthcoming discussions, we will seek more details about the design, implementation and oversight of the BPL.
“Without appropriate implementation, co-design planning, stakeholder oversight and adequate safeguards, the levy will be just another tax that reduces the competitiveness of the grass-fed cattle industry – an industry that is essential to the Australian economy.”
Dr Parker said the grass-fed cattle industry fundamentally supports increased investment in biosecurity and was committed to working with Government to ensure such funding delivers maximum value and produces the essential outcomes needed by industry and the broader Australian community.
“The imposition of this levy must result in improved biosecurity outcomes as a result of enhanced funding and resourcing of measures for the next decade of biosecurity,” Dr Parker said.
