Ports Australia has been included on the Department of Agriculture's Biosecurity Futures group, a collective of industry leaders providing strategic advice to government on how best to safeguard Australia from biosecurity hazards.
We were initially left off the group at its first announcement, however given us previously playing a key role as a member of the Biosecurity Imports Levy Industry Steering Community, and our knowledge of Australia’s diverse port sector, we’re pleased the Minister for Agriculture, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie has recognised our importance in the discussion.
Biosecurity is a crucial consideration that our ports must make day in and day out to protect the integrity of Australia’s border, preventing the entry of pests and diseases that could threaten the high standards of Australian agriculture and life, all while maintaining productive operations.
CEO, Mike Gallacher who will be on the group stressed the importance of our inclusion to the conversation.
“Ports Australia will persist on having the voice of our ports heard at the highest level, because at the end of the day, over 98% of goods passing through Australia will hit the port gate.
“This places a lot of responsibility on our port staff to maintain high biosecurity standards, which is something our Minister for Agriculture wisely sees as vital for keeping out pests and diseases.
“I look forward to collaborating with a diverse range of industry leaders that operate on both sides of the port gate so we can fortify our country’s borders, keep people safe, and keep our sector thriving,” Mike ended.
For more information on biosecurity, visit the Department of Agriculture's website:
