Greens launch new biosecurity authority

The Greens have launched a new national independent biosecurity authority that they say will give greater protection against pests and diseases that are threatening Australia’s agricultural sector and environment.

“The increase in the global movement of people and goods, together with the onset of climate change, means Australia has to increase efforts to protect its borders from pests and disease,” said Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne.

“Australia must fiercely protect its disease-free status and the health of our native plants, animals and agricultural industry. Biosecurity is to the environment and the food industry what defence is to the nation.”

Senator Milne cited examples such as myrtle rust and the Asian honey bee, which have crept through Australia’s biosecurity system in recent years and are a threat to agriculture and native plants.

Labor’s decision to allow imports of Malaysian pineapples, which potentially carry heart rot, and Fijian ginger, which can carry the burrowing nematode, have led to a “high level of distrust and dissatisfaction with current biosecurity measures,” Milne said. The Greens’ approach “values the expertise in this area and focuses on the science,” she said.

The Greens are moving to implement key findings from the 2008 Beale Review of Australia’s biosecurity, including:

• An independent biosecurity authority that will be supported by a National Biosecurity Commission which will include a panel of biosecurity experts who would decide how to protect Australia from new pests and diseases.
• A National Biosecurity Authority that would have the day-to-day management responsibilities and advise the Commission.

“The new regime would cost $5-10 million annually, on top of money redirected from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry that is currently being used for biosecurity outcomes,” said Milne.

“Our horticultural sector alone is worth about $10 billion; it’s just far too valuable to risk,” said Queensland Greens Senate candidate Adam Stone.