Sustainable Funding to Strengthen Biosecurity

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Register now to have your say on sustainably funded biosecurity.

A strong and sustainably funded biosecurity system is critical to protecting Australia’s economy, environment and way of life.

That is why the Australian Government is committing more permanently dedicated taxpayer funding than ever before. Over $1 billion (over four years) and $267 million per year (ongoing from 2027-28) was announced in the 2023-24 Budget. This is a permanent increase in funding for biosecurity.

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and so is contributing to its cost. Funding for biosecurity is based on shared responsibility between taxpayers, those who create risk and those who receive significant benefits from the Australian Government’s efforts at the border.

From 1 July 2023 the government has increased its cost recovery for delivering biosecurity activities for risk creators and importers. An average price increase of 28% across biosecurity fee and charge points commenced this year and now fully reflect costs for the first time since 2015. Introduction of a new industry biosecurity cost recovery arrangement for low value ($1,000 or less) goods imported into Australia by air or sea is also under way. This will cover the costs of biosecurity clearance on imported goods that are not currently subject to cost recovery – up to now taxpayers have been paying this cost.

Producers are also being asked to make a contribution. Arrangements to implement a Biosecurity Protection Levy on agriculture, fisheries and forestry producers are under way and will be in place by 1 July 2024.

New arrangements

As part of the Budget 2023-24 we will be introducing the following new funding arrangements:

  1. Implement a Biosecurity Protection Levy (consultation is starting now).
  2. Reform of border fees and charges including the current cost recovery charging models (consultation to commence later in 2023).
  3. Industry cost recovery arrangements in relation to biosecurity clearance of low value goods (SACs)

Get involved

We are consulting on the best way to design and implement these arrangements. If you would like to be involved, please register your interest and your preferred way of engaging with the department.

Once you register, we will email you updates to participate in consultation opportunities that might include:

  • online written feedback and submissions
  • webinars
  • online or face to face meetings.

You are encouraged to read the Sustainable Funding for a strong biosecurity system budget fact sheet before you register.

Register now to have your say on sustainably funded biosecurity.

A strong and sustainably funded biosecurity system is critical to protecting Australia’s economy, environment and way of life.

That is why the Australian Government is committing more permanently dedicated taxpayer funding than ever before. Over $1 billion (over four years) and $267 million per year (ongoing from 2027-28) was announced in the 2023-24 Budget. This is a permanent increase in funding for biosecurity.

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and so is contributing to its cost. Funding for biosecurity is based on shared responsibility between taxpayers, those who create risk and those who receive significant benefits from the Australian Government’s efforts at the border.

From 1 July 2023 the government has increased its cost recovery for delivering biosecurity activities for risk creators and importers. An average price increase of 28% across biosecurity fee and charge points commenced this year and now fully reflect costs for the first time since 2015. Introduction of a new industry biosecurity cost recovery arrangement for low value ($1,000 or less) goods imported into Australia by air or sea is also under way. This will cover the costs of biosecurity clearance on imported goods that are not currently subject to cost recovery – up to now taxpayers have been paying this cost.

Producers are also being asked to make a contribution. Arrangements to implement a Biosecurity Protection Levy on agriculture, fisheries and forestry producers are under way and will be in place by 1 July 2024.

New arrangements

As part of the Budget 2023-24 we will be introducing the following new funding arrangements:

  1. Implement a Biosecurity Protection Levy (consultation is starting now).
  2. Reform of border fees and charges including the current cost recovery charging models (consultation to commence later in 2023).
  3. Industry cost recovery arrangements in relation to biosecurity clearance of low value goods (SACs)

Get involved

We are consulting on the best way to design and implement these arrangements. If you would like to be involved, please register your interest and your preferred way of engaging with the department.

Once you register, we will email you updates to participate in consultation opportunities that might include:

  • online written feedback and submissions
  • webinars
  • online or face to face meetings.

You are encouraged to read the Sustainable Funding for a strong biosecurity system budget fact sheet before you register.