Biosecurity funding
Peter
Hicks
Several biosecurity measures were announced in the 2010–11
Budget including two which involve revenue raising, plus funding
for further measures being implemented as a result of the Beale
Review (the Review) of biosecurity and quarantine released by the
Government in December 2008.[1]
Biosecurity reform measures
The Budget allocates $20 million over the next four years
to be used for the development of a risk-based approach to
biosecurity operations, and the enhancement of data collection and
analysis capabilities within the Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service (AQIS). Funds for this measure will come from an
increase in the level of cost recovery from Australia Post for the
quarantine clearance of incoming mail.[2]
The 2010–11 Budget also provides $61.3 million over two
years to maintain core quarantine border protection activities and
to commence work on initial elements of biosecurity reform as
recommended in the Review. This funding will also enable
continuation of other outcomes of the Review, namely:
- the Office of the Interim Inspector General of Biosecurity who
reports directly to the Minister and was appointed on
1 July 2009 to conduct independent systems audits of
Australia’s biosecurity systems. The interim arrangements
will continue until new legislation is in place and the statutory
position is established[3]
- the expanded Eminent Scientists Group, which independently
reviews major Import Risk Analyses, now includes an economist and
has had its terms of reference broadened to include that ‘all
relevant matters relating to the likely economic consequences of a
pest or disease incursion have been properly considered’
and
- the Biosecurity Advisory Council appointed in December to
replace the Quarantine and Exports Advisory Council.[4]
Within the budgeted $61.3 million there is
$3.9 million for the development of the project concept for
future arrangements for post-entry quarantine facilities. This
amount will be recovered from relevant industry sectors under
existing cost recovery arrangements.
Export certification
This Budget also provides further funding of $88 million
for changes to export certification arrangements and follows
initial funding of $39 million announced in the Mid-Year
Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 2009–10. This measure has
its origins in the Review’s recommendation that the
40 per cent rebate on AQIS fees and charges be
discontinued when it reached its scheduled expiry on
30 June 2009. The rebate had been in operation since
2001. The Government accepted this recommendation and sought to
revert to full cost recovery of AQIS fees and charges effective
from 1 July 2009. However the proposal was defeated in
the Senate in September 2009.
In November 2009, the Government announced an agreement with
non-Government parties to facilitate Senate passage of a
$127.4 million Export Certification Reform Package
(ECRP).[5] ECRP
provides for a return to full cost recovery of AQIS fees and
charges; fee rebates to assist exporters transition to full cost
recovery by 30 June 2011; reforms of the regulatory and
supply chain and reform of the meat inspection system. New export
fees and charges returning industry to full cost recovery commenced
in December 2009.
Taskforces for each export sector (dairy, fish, grain,
horticulture, live animals and meat) were established in April 2009
to explore delivery arrangements for AQIS export certification and
inspection services in line with recommendations of the Review and
to promote efficiencies and to improve productivity. These
taskforces are at varying stages of developing and implementing
their respective reform agendas.[6]
[1]. R Beale, D Trebeck, A Inglis, and J
Fairbrother, One biosecurity: a working partnership,
Report of the independent review of Australia’s quarantine
and biosecurity arrangements to the Australian Government,
Canberra, 2008, viewed 17 May 2010
http://www.quarantinebiosecurityreview.gov.au/report_to_the_minister_for_agriculture_fisheries_and_forestry
[2]. Australian Government, Budget
measures: budget paper no. 2: 2010–11,
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, 2010, p. 90, viewed
17 May 2010, http://www.budget.gov.au/2010-11/content/bp2/download/bp2.pdf
[3]. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFF), ‘Frequently asked questions – Review
of Australia’s Quarantine and Biosecurity
Arrangements’, DAFF website, viewed 19 May 2010,
http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/1454032/beale-faqs.pdf
A
Burke (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry),
Progress continues on reforms to strengthen Australia's
biosecurity, media release, 23 September 2009, viewed
18 May 2010
http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/progress_continues_on_reforms_to_strengthen_australias_biosecurity
[4]. A Burke (Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry), New council to help protect
Australia's biosecurity, media release, 21 December 2009,
viewed 18 May 2010
http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/december/new_council_to_help_protect_australias_biosecurity
[5]. A Burke (Minister for Agriculture,
Fisheries and Forestry), Export industry reforms back on
track, media release, 24 November 2009, viewed
18 May 2010
http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/november/export_industry_reforms_back_on_track
[6]. Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (DAFF), ‘Export Certification Reform Package’,
DAFF website, viewed 19 May 2010,
http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/export/export_certification_reform_package