The Minister for Agriculture has announced that the Government will not be proceeding with the Biosecurity Imports Levy they committed to in the 2018-19 Budget. They have consulted extensively following the announcement, and the Biosecurity Imports Levy Industry Steering Committee provided additional views from major importers, logistics operators and our agriculture sector.
Stakeholder feedback and recommendations from the Industry Steering Committee highlighted that a different model was needed to support a sustainable funding source for Australia’s biosecurity system. Â
An industry working group has been formed to work with the Department of Agriculture (DoA) and advise the Minister in the design and implementation of an ‘Alternative Biosecurity Levy’. The process will involve development of the draft Biosecurity levy proposal, Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), industry consultation and final recommendation to the Minister and Cabinet for approval. Thereafter, new legislation will be drafted for presentation to the parliament, probably around the third quarter of 2020.
The DoA has issued notice 212-2019, explaining the government remains committed to a biosecurity levy and stressing that we need a well-resourced, sustainably funded biosecurity system to address the growing biosecurity risks associated with increases in mail and cargo arriving from overseas.
As licensed Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders, Colless Young is available to answer all your questions about importing and associated costs. We handle imports & exports, both airfreight and seafreight, at all Australian ports and airports.
