Livestock SA has welcomed the federal government’s decision to withdraw the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy, acknowledging it as a win for livestock producers who have long opposed the unfair tax.
First announced in the 2023 Federal Budget, the levy faced strong resistance from the agriculture sector, with Livestock SA at the forefront of advocacy efforts to have it scrapped.
Livestock SA Chair, Gillian Fennell, said the decision demonstrates the power of a united industry voice.
“This is a significant victory for livestock producers across Australia. From the outset, Livestock SA has been clear that this levy was inequitable and an unnecessary burden on producers who already make substantial contributions to biosecurity,” Ms Fennell said.
“South Australian livestock producers contribute to the biosecurity system at multiple levels through on-farm investment, state-based levies, statutory federal levies, and general taxation.”
“Alongside our members and industry partners, we actively campaigned against this tax, explained the areas where it was deficient and why it was unfair, so it’s pleasing to see that Minister Collins has listened to our concerns.”
“Livestock SA commended the federal government for its commitment to addressing the issue of sustainably funding the biosecurity system, but this new tax on producers was clearly not the way to go.”
“We fully support strong biosecurity measures to protect our industry, but funding solutions must be transparent, equitable, and developed in genuine consultation with the industry,” Ms Fennell said.
“Livestock SA will remain engaged with all levels of government to ensure that future funding models do not unfairly target South Australian livestock producers and that Australia’s biosecurity system remains robust and effective.”
“Producers must be at the forefront of the policy solutions that protect their livelihoods.”
-Livestock SA