The VFF maintains its opposition to the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy, despite recent changes announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt.
The VFF insists the revisions still fall short of the industry’s needs, expressing support for robust biosecurity but emphasising the need for assurances that farmer contributions are utilised effectively.
With the levy set to be implemented on 1 July this year, farmers are apprehensive about the additional financial burden and the lack of detailed information on how the levy funds will directly enhance biosecurity measures on farms.
We know farmers deserve to know how their hard-earned money will be spent and we will continue to point out the need for the levy to target importers who pose the actual biosecurity risks, rather than the farming community already contributing through existing levies and on-farm biosecurity practices.
The VFF continues to call for transparency, equity, and a shift in financial responsibility towards those who introduce biosecurity threats. As discussions progress, the VFF remains committed to advocating for Victorian farmers, seeking a biosecurity funding model that is transparent, equitable, and recognises the significant efforts and contributions of the agricultural sector in maintaining Australia’s biosecurity integrity.