The New South Wales Nationals Senator, Fiona Nash, says a $15 million investment in biosecurity will help protect Australia’s farming industry from any disease outbreak.
It’s one of several commitments a Liberal-National Government has made as part of its Agriculture and Food Security policy.
“$15 million will be spent on a Biosecurity Flying Squad. It’s a special agency that will randomly audit quarantine facilities and procedures, and identify and quickly act to resolve any problems or threats,” Senator Nash said.
“I have spoken to many farmers, especially fruit growers are very worried about the potential for disease and pest outbreaks, in light of the Labor government’s decision to allow the import of apples from China, and possibly New Zealand.
“The Liberal-National Government understands how crucial it is to protect our growers from such threats.”
Senator Nash says a $155 million dollar investment in research and development will be especially welcome in NSW, where the state Labor government’s been stripping services and jobs from the Department of Industry and Investment.
“Federal Labor also has a poor track record – it abolished Land and Water Australia which was a vital research body, and slashed funding for CSIRO and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.”
Senator Nash said a Liberal-National Government will also provide $50 million for grants of up to $100,000 for farmers, to help them save water.
Other commitments include large scale feral animal control, a saltbush planting program, and mapping the carbon footprint of Australia’s agricultural industry that will prove our reputation as a supplier of clean, green products in the global market place.
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