The release of two recent reports into Australia's biosecurity operations have left NSW Farmers concerned about the investment needed to protect our agricultural industries and environment.
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In NSW, the Auditor General released a report into biosecurity risk management.
The report highlights the need to create stronger links between state agencies, including the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services, NSW Health, local councils, and state environment agencies.
NSW is lucky to have LLS as an extension agency, as this is not common in other states. DPI and LLS should always be sharing information so they both operate effectively in a biosecurity response.
The report focuses on biosecurity's economics.
We know when we look at a response, there's always a better way - but sometimes it's hard to plan in the heat of the moment.
That's why NSW Farmers is keen to work with DPI during "peacetime" to stress-test it's response functions.
Preparation is much more cost-effective than response - we can't avoid every outbreak, but we can be better prepared.
The federal inspector general of biosecurity last month reported on pest and disease incursions and NSW Farmers is concerned detection and response capacity is being eroded.
Biosecurity functions are cost-recovered by the Department of Agriculture, and these positions should not be subject to staffing efficiencies.
That report says in six years to 2017, the department intercepted over 272 tonnes of meat products at the border, mostly at major airports.
Meanwhile, detector dog numbers were halved between 2012 and 2017.
NSW Farmers suggests the federal government should look at funding generated by the incoming container levy to bolster frontline staff and increase our intelligence and diagnostic capabilities.
Ian McColl, NSW Farmers biosecurity committee chairman
