Responses mixed as ag contributions cut in new biosecurity levy model

Agricultural commodity contributions to a proposed biosecurity protection levy have been cut by more than 30 percent under a new model announced by the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt today.

In his opening statement at a Senate Estimates hearing Mr Watt said the biosecurity protection levy will contribute just six percent of the total biosecurity funding model, or about $50 million.

He said his department has undertaken extensive consultation over the back half of last year including stakeholder meetings, a survey of industry as well as inviting submissions to be made.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and as a result, today I’m announcing that we’re changing the way the biosecurity protection levy is calculated to make it fairer and more transparent,” he said.

Beef Central, 13th February 2024.

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