The state government’s plans for a modern, simpler, and more effective new Biosecurity Act have been released for public consultation.

The new Biosecurity Act, dealing with plant and animal pests, aims to create new opportunities for primary industries, reduce red tape, drive down costs and better align with national and interstate approaches.

Finniss MP David Basham, who is Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, says the proposed new Biosecurity Act will help producers put their best foot forward.

“A strong and effective biosecurity system is vital for protecting South Australia’s reputation for exceptional food, wine and fibre,” he says.

“We enjoy relative freedom from many pests and diseases that plague farmers elsewhere in the world and this makes our producers more competitive and provides access to premium local and international markets.

“Every year threats of pests and diseases increase on our borders, and our practices and laws need to keep up to protect our crops and products.

“The $15.2 billion primary industries and agribusiness industry is the backbone of South Australia’s economy, supporting 76,000 jobs across the state. We must do everything we can to protect this.

“We want to hear from you, to ensure that we develop modern, simple, and more effective laws which will give us the tools to protect South Australia from these evolving biosecurity threats.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility whether you are a farmer, a fisher, a backyard fruit and vegetable grower, a food manufacturer, a transporter, a tourist or a member of the community.

“The new Act will ensure everyone understands and acts on their shared responsibility to protect the state by preventing, eliminating and minimising the spread of pest and disease.”

The six-week public consultation will close on Tuesday 24 November.

To view the consultation documents and have your say go to the PIRSA website.