Biosecurity Advocacy
Key issues relating to biosecurity including a new levy announced in the 2023/24 federal budget and the closure of the Cape York biosecurity centre.
BIOsecurity Levy
The issue
The ABGC welcomed additional funding for biosecurity as part of the 2023/24 Federal Budget, but the announcement of a new levy to help pay for this adds to the already significant financial strain facing many growers. The levy is due to come into place on 1 July this year (2024) and essentially means slugging banana growers twice, as they already contribute money to fund banana specific biosecurity activities.
The ABGC, on behalf of industry, made a submission to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries about the proposed levy.
The ABGC has also joined more than 50 agricultural groups to co-sign a letter to the Prime Minister, calling for an immediate reversal of what is essentially a new tax.
As part of this united front, growers can also access a template if they wish to send their own letter to local MPs or to relevant Federal Ministers.