Important biosecurity reform bills, originally introduced under the former Labor Government to modernise Australia's biosecurity framework, will not now be debated in the Parliament until next year.
The protection of Australia’s clean, green and safe image is key to our agriculture competitiveness on world markets.
By the time Labor’s reforms are adopted by this Parliament, up to two years will have been lost.
This is compounded by cuts to the Agriculture Department’s biosecurity budget and the CSIRO’s research capacity.
All of this is in addition to the attempt by Minister Morrison to take biosecurity away from the Department of Agriculture.
Keeping agriculture in Australia disease-free should be the Abbott Government’s highest priority but their form says otherwise.
Just this week, the CSIRO warned our biosecurity future should not be taken for granted in the face of new trends and challenges.
Once lost, our clean, green and safe image may never be restored. Barnaby Joyce has dropped the ball on biosecurity and should hang his head in shame.
THURSDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2014
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