Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Biosecurity is essential to Tasmania’s agricultural productivity, continued market access, our reputation for high quality primary products and the health of our natural environment, especially as we rebuild a stronger Tasmania.
We face increasing challenges in managing biosecurity because of trade globalisation, internet commerce and the ease of travel which provides new pathways for pests and disease to enter the state.
Tasmania is moving ahead with fully implementing strong new nation-leading biosecurity laws to protect the state because it is critical that we have effective legislation to protect our primary industries, Brand Tasmania and the natural environment.
The Biosecurity Act was passed by Parliament in 2019 and began operating in January this year, with DPIPWE progressively implementing a suite of new regulations, administrative systems and resources.
Although this new Act was not designed to specifically address the current coronavirus pandemic, it demonstrates the need for us to be prepared for biosecurity emergencies.
Tasmania needs a modern regulatory system and strong progress has already been made in implementing all aspects of the Act which will help protect the state for the next 30 years.
The independent Biosecurity Advisory Committee has now been established and includes representatives from industry sectors.
Action includes the development of regulations and a biosecurity program for the salmon industry, regulations for the bee-keeping industry and the development of the Tasmanian Biosecurity Compendium, which lists the plants, animals and other material that are either prohibited or not permitted in Tasmania.
The new legislation replaces seven repealed Acts to make the system simpler, easier to understand and more efficient and last night I tabled the Biosecurity (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020 which corrects and updates references to those repealed Acts.
