Budget’s $371m biosecurity boost will put ‘protective ring’ around agriculture, PM says
Written by Sarah Martin, chief political correspondent
Measures to be announced on Tuesday come three years after Coalition’s failed attempt to introduce biosecurity levy on industry
A $371m biosecurity package that puts a “protective ring” around the agricultural sector is to be announced by the prime minister, Scott Morrison, three years after the Coalition’s failed attempt to introduce a biosecurity levy on industry.
Tuesday’s budget announcement, which includes $59m for swine flu prevention measures and $67m for a new response and surveillance program, follows calls by the National Farmers’ Federation for $417m in new spending over the next four years.
Related: Pests, pathogens and pandemics: Australia's biosecurity needs an overhaul, CSIRO warns
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