Submissions invited on future of plant biosecurity

The Vic Brumby Labor Government is calling on submissions to proposed new laws designed to further protect Victoria’s $3 billion plant industry from disease outbreaks.

Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said the draft Plant Biosecurity Bill, which would replace Plant Health and Plant Products Act 1995, aimed to prevent the entry of plant pests and diseases into Victoria.

“The Brumby Labor Government understands the importance of keeping Victoria free of pests and diseases to ensure the long-term viability of our 11,000 plant-based industries,” Mr Helper said.

“We want to protect and secure the market access of Victorian producers for plants and plant products both locally, interstate and overseas.”

Mr Helper said a key component of the draft bill was the introduction of a Property Identification Code (PIC) database for plant industries that will enable Government to quickly contact property owners or find properties growing affected crops after a pest or disease detection.

“The PIC database can be used to establish a comprehensive list of Victorian producers, which would greatly speed up any emergency responses,” he said.

“There will be no fee to apply for a code, which will enhance our effectiveness and efficiency in responding to pest and disease outbreaks.”

Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria Dr Hugh Millar said the proposed bill streamlined and enhanced existing legislation so the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and industry could work together more effectively to respond to pest or disease outbreaks.

“The bill will widen the definition of used equipment and soil to include road working and earth moving equipment, sand, rocks and gravel,” Dr Millar said.

“The bill can impose controls on their movement into Victoria or within Victoria in order to prevent a pest or disease from spreading.

“It will also provide the ability to declare an infected place for an exotic disease or pest like citrus canker or fire blight, anywhere within Victoria to enable DPI to impose interim quarantine controls on the place.”

The draft Plant Biosecurity Bill follows the release of the Brumby Government’s Biosecurity Strategy in June this year.