[Greens-Media] Biosecurity legislation not good enough

[Lamb, Alexandra (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Biosecurity legislation not good enough

The Senate Inquiry into the Biosecurity Bill 2012, held in Hobart today, heard repeatedly the proposed bill falls well short of the expectations of primary industry and business stakeholders in protecting Tasmania's clean, green reputation and regional distinctiveness.
"Until the regulations that underpin the legislation are released, no one will have confidence the legislation will deliver the improvements the community wants," Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne said today.
"It is wonderful that Tasmanians have recognised its clean environment as a major contributor to the premium prices of our food, wine and beverages in world markets.
It's great that Tasmanians are also prepared to fight to maintain our right to have higher standards through the recognition of our regional distinctiveness.
"Equally it is critical that our native plants and animals are protected from pests and diseases and this must be paid for.
"Australia is not a single entity as far as biosecurity risk is concerned and should not be treated as such to satisfy World Trade Organisation imperatives
"For years there has been a tension between defending our disease-free status and the demands of other countries wanting us to let products into Australia. This is wrong.
"Regions must be allowed to maintain higher standards if the science demands it to protect our natural environment and our primary products.
"Furthermore, every witness today supported the Beale Review recommendations for a separate statutory Biosecurity Commission and Authority saying there is too much conflict of interest for the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to set standards and assess risks and review decisions."