NFF Urges Government to Address Agricultural Sector Concerns Over Biosecurity Levy

As the Federal Government moves forward with the finalisation of the Biosecurity Protection Levy, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) emphasises the critical need for policymakers to heed the concerns of the agricultural industry.

NFF President David Jochinke underscores that the proposed levy, which would affect all of Australia’s 85,000 producers, has elicited significant apprehension within the sector, yet there has been minimal reassurance that these concerns have been adequately addressed.

Jochinke highlights several flaws in the current proposal, including inconsistencies with established levy principles such as equitability, transparency, and accountability. Moreover, there are concerns regarding the potential negative impacts on agricultural and biosecurity systems, as well as ambiguity surrounding how the funds will translate into tangible biosecurity outcomes.

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As the Federal Government moves forward with the finalisation of the Biosecurity Protection Levy, the NFF emphasises the critical need for policymakers to heed the concerns of the agricultural industry.

Of particular concern to the NFF is the potential impact on the sector’s research and development network, which plays a vital role in supporting producers. Policies that undermine this framework not only affect agriculture but also have broader implications for taxpayers who contribute significant funds to this system annually.

Jochinke clarifies that the NFF’s opposition to the levy is rooted in the policy construct rather than a reluctance to contribute more. While producers are open to investing in initiatives that enhance biosecurity outcomes, the current proposal fails to meet this criterion.

The concerns raised by the NFF are echoed by the Productivity Commission, which conducted its own assessment of the proposal and identified various issues with its design and implementation.

In light of these concerns, the NFF urges the Government to make substantial changes to the proposed policy to address industry apprehensions effectively. Until meaningful adjustments are made, producers remain steadfast in their opposition to the levy, emphasising the importance of prioritising the agricultural sector’s interests in the formulation of biosecurity policies.

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