Cattle Australia (CA) has taken a strong position on behalf of all grass-fed cattle producers, through our submission to the proposed new Biosecurity Protection Levy consultation process.
Cattle Australia Chair David Foote said the imposition of this Levy must result in improved biosecurity outcomes as a result of enhanced funding and resourcing of measures for the next decade of biosecurity.
“Without appropriate implementation, co-design planning, stakeholder oversight and adequate safeguards, the Biosecurity Protection Levy will be just another tax that reduces the competitiveness of this essential industry,” he said.
“It is critical that the collection of funds is transparent and used appropriately to leverage a stronger biosecurity system.
“The grass-fed cattle transaction levy transacts at $5.00 per head per transaction, with individual cattle subject to numerous transactions generating multiple levy transactions on the same animal.
“It is critical that any new system is fair and equitable to all agricultural producers, and potential duplication of levy collection events on a single article are appropriately dealt with.”
CA seeks to advance co-funding and investment strategies with stakeholders, including models that consider key risk creators and system beneficiaries in an equitable manner.
“In the interest of fairness, it is not sustainable or equitable for the proposed new Biosecurity Protection Levy to be implemented ahead of the Container/Import Levy necessary to address the biosecurity risk posed by imports and shipping containers,” Mr Foote said.
CA continues to support improved biosecurity measures, and the increased investment required, to meet our escalating biosecurity challenges over the next decade. CA will continue to provide effective leadership, and seek transparent oversight, particularly in regards to levy collection.
-Cattle Australia