Farmers are being encouraged to have their say on new legislation governing biosecurity in Victoria.
The Victorian Government has released a discussion paper for public feedback which will guide reform to biosecurity laws.
A key target of the reform is to combine multiple laws into one Biosecurity Act to ensure all stakeholders are aware of their role in the biosecurity continuum.
This process encourages all stakeholders to submit feedback via survey or submission to help create legislation that identifies risks, enables Traditional Owner knowledge in caring for country, and identifies new avenues for government, industry and the community to collaborate.
The VFF supports a biosecurity system that is proactive, collaborative and underscored by shared responsibility. As the first line of defence against persistent threats to biosecurity, Victorian farmers must also be recognised as key stakeholders in the biosecurity framework.
The VFF encourages all farmers to take part in the survey (and provide a submission if possible) to ensure the views of the agriculture sector are listened to. Consultation closes on 9 October 2022 and can be accessed through the Engage Victoria website.
The VFF Policy Team will provide farmers with some guidance notes around making a submission over the coming weeks.