3 November 2022
Who does this notice affect?
Stakeholders in the import and shipping industries—including importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, vessel masters, biosecurity industry participants and shipping agents.
What has changed?
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) is seeking comments and practical ideas on options for long-term, sustainable funding to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system.
An initial public engagement process commenced on 1 November 2022 with the release of a discussion paper seeking the views of all system participants and interested parties, including on options raised previously.
Industry is invited to review the discussion paper and make a submission on the department’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform by 4 pm (AEDT) on 21 November 2022.
The department may follow up with industry for further information about some submissions. Recommendations will be presented to the Australian Government in 2023.
What is driving this?
The Australian Government is committed to develop a sustainable biosecurity funding model as outlined in A Better Future for our Regions: Bolstering Australia’s Biosecurity System.
The Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 strategic roadmap sets out nine strategic actions needed to lift the department’s biosecurity capability and evolve our efforts within the national biosecurity system. One of the nine actions is to align the Commonwealth’s funding and investment model to emerging system needs, ensuring that funding and investment strategies are fit for purpose and sustainable for the long-term and that biosecurity partners contribute equitably.
Consistent with Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 and stakeholder comments received in developing the National Biosecurity Strategy, the department commenced a program of work in August 2022 to support the development of the sustainable funding and investment model for biosecurity.
Cost Recovery Implementation Statement
As advised through the 2021–22 Biosecurity Cost Recovery Statement (CRIS), published on 25 March 2022, the department is undertaking a review of the fees and charges currently applied to biosecurity regulatory activities under the existing Biosecurity Cost Recovery Arrangement. This review will inform a new CRIS, expected to be released in 2023, and support the work to develop the sustainable funding and investment model for biosecurity.
Further information
Enquires can be directed to SecretariatBSF@agriculture.gov.au