Primary producers at risk following biosecurity cuts: Saffin

Member for Page Janelle Saffin says the Opposition’s decision to rip a $103 million black hole in Australia’s biosecurity budget will place local producers at greater risk of pests and diseases.

“The Nationals and Liberals in the Senate this week voted down new fees and charges for export certification, leaving a huge hole in the vital biosecurity budget over the next two years,” Ms Saffin said.

“This is disastrous for our biosecurity, and also blocks $60 million in Rudd Government reforms to improve efficiency, support regional jobs and improve market access for red meat, horticulture, fish, dairy and other industries.

“This week’s vote directly contradicts comments by members of the National Party that any cuts to biosecurity funding are unacceptable.

“The Opposition spokesperson on agriculture, John Cobb, said in May that cutting the quarantine budget would be criminal and that any major disease or pest incursion would not only cost money but had the potential to change or landscape forever and decimate our unique flora and fauna.

“I’d like the National Party members to explain to our local producers, such as those in the beef, dairy, fishing and horticulture industries, how they can justify cutting $103 from biosecurity.

“This is a disgraceful move and I would remind the National Party members that when in Government it was they who decided that the 40 per cent export subsidy would end on June 30 this year.

“This is yet another example of the Nationals saying one thing in Canberra and another thing in the electorate. When in government they supported this, it was their policy and now they have voted against it when politically convenient.

“The Rudd Government wanted to deliver more efficient export industries which support regional jobs, and this reform program had the support of the six export sectors: red meat, grain, horticulture, live exports, fish and dairy

“But the Nationals and Liberals have instead voted to jeopardise our biosecurity and increase the risk of major financial losses in our primary industries from exotic pests and diseases.”

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3. Call for retention of research station
4. Primary industry services take another hit, says Page
5. Hartsuyker ‘talking down’ local economies, says Saffin