Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Federal government puts agriculture at risk with refusal to implement strict biosecurity measures on 'Foot and Mouth Disease'
The federal government's refusal to implement strict new biosecurity measures to stop foot and mouth disease (FMD) breaching Australia's borders risks decimating Victorian agriculture.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is in Jakarta today to meet with authorities on the FMD outbreak in Indonesia. But Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh questioned the Minister's priorities, with Federal Labor still refusing to enforce sterilisation of footwear of all people arriving from Indonesia.
Nationals have written to Federal Agriculture Minister seeking a guarantee of stronger protections against foot and mouth disease and not allow disruption to international travel an excuse
Minister offers weak excuses
Mr Walsh said, "FMD is easy to transmit, but will be impossible to combat if it breaches our borders which is why we must take every action now to prevent it reaching Australian farms. Minister Watt claims he'll 'implement any practical measures that will make a difference', but continues to offer weak excuses against industry's calls for sterilising footbaths for all arrivals."
"Instead, Labor's focusing its efforts on advertising at the airport. But this is cold comfort to Victorian farmers who face an up to $6 billion economic hit if there's even a small, contained outbreak of FMD."
"Bolstered biosecurity measures at airports that ensure every single traveller is stopped, questioned and required to sterilise or get rid of footwear that might be carrying the disease is the only option to keep our borders safe."
Protect the agricultural industry
Mr Walsh wrote to the Federal Minister last week, condemning Labor's slow action and demanding an immediate boost to biosecurity at all of Australia's ports of entry. "With thousands of Australians travelling to Indonesia at the moment, more safeguards must be put in place," Mr Walsh said.
"Victorian and Australian producers can't afford the comprehensive trade restrictions and strict isolation protocols that would be required if an outbreak occurred."
"Farmers and the agriculture industry deserve confidence that all levels of government are prepared to take all appropriate action required - no matter how disruptive - to protect producers, livestock, and our economic future." Mr Walsh said.
Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
ANZAC Day events across South Gippsland and other shire council updatesStay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity