11 December 2019
Who does this notice affect?
Import industry
Key points
- The Australian Government will develop an alternative biosecurity levy in consultation with industry
- An industry working group will be established early in 2020 to lead the consultation.
Background
Australia needs a well-resourced, sustainably funded biosecurity system to address the growing biosecurity risks associated with increases in passengers, mail and cargo arriving from overseas.
The government committed to a Biosecurity Imports Levy in the 2018-19 Budget. The government consulted extensively following the announcement.
The Biosecurity Imports Levy Industry Steering Committee also provided additional views from major importers, logistics operators and our agriculture sector.
Stakeholder feedback and recommendations from the Industry Steering Committee highlighted that a different model is needed to support a sustainable funding source for Australia’s biosecurity system.
The government remains committed to a biosecurity levy. An alternative biosecurity levy will be developed in consultation with industry, with consultation to begin in the new year.
Further information
More information can be found at agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-levy or by contacting Biosecurity Consultation.