Budget provides biosecurity boost

Tasmania is internationally renowned for producing premium produce that is both of a high standard but also safe from pests and diseases, which is why the 2024-25 Budget includes almost $13 million for biosecurity.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, said the Tasmanian Government knows the value of keeping our island free of pests and diseases.

“While biosecurity is a shared responsibility, through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future we have committed to maintaining a strong biosecurity system,” Minister Howlett said.

“This investment of almost $13 million demonstrates our commitment to protecting our borders and managing risks.

“These funds will be used to protect our borders against pest and disease incursions, safeguard animal welfare and manage risk to primary industries, including:

• $7.9 million boost for frontline biosecurity services;
• $3 million over four years to strengthen biosecurity resources and expertise;
• $500,000 over four years to support TasFarmers to continue enhancing on-farm biosecurity engagement;
• $1.2 million over three years for additional biosecurity officers; and
• $300,000 annually over three years to support industry groups, such as Fruit Growers Tasmania, to maintain community awareness.

Through the funding, two new Senior Biosecurity Inspectors, two Senior Biosecurity Officers and a stakeholder engagement officer will be employed for the animal welfare space.

“The money will also assist in implementing the recommendations of the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis, who conducted an independent review of four of our biosecurity pathways to assess our effectiveness in mitigating biosecurity risks.

“This funding further value adds to the investments already made by the Tasmanian Government including the Detector Dog Unit Improvement Plan, which featured bred-for-purpose detector dogs, kennel infrastructure upgrades and nationally recognised training for our handlers.

“The Tasmanian Government knows the importance of a strong and functional biosecurity system and we are continuing to work with industry and the community to ensure this is maintained.”

More information on Tasmania’s biosecurity can be found here: https://nre.tas.gov.au/biosecurity-tasmania