Biosecurity Levy tax scrapped

A move to effectively scrap plans by the Federal Government to introduce a controversial biosecurity tax has been welcomed by the country’s peak farming body.

The National Farmer Federation says producers across the nation are celebrating the Federal Parliament’s decision to discharge the Biosecurity Protection Levy, effectively binning the tax.

NFF President David Jochinke welcomed the decision and thanked the Minister for Agriculture, Julie Collins, for listening to farmers’ concerns.

“This is a huge win for farmers,” he said.

“The Minister and the Senate have listened – this tax was deeply flawed and unfair to farmers. We appreciate the Minister’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the sustainability of our biosecurity system.”

Mr Jochinke also thanks the NFF members, industry stakeholders and the thousands of farmers who voiced their concerns about this tax.

“Together we put up a fierce fight and we are relieved to close the book on
this idea,” he said.

“The agricultural sector was united in its opposition to this tax and we are just as united in our commitment to protecting our country’s biosecurity.

Farmers already contribute significantly to the system, and we look forward to working with the Government on policy that strengthens our defence against pests and diseases without adding extra costs on farmers.”