Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Ciccone. As I have said before, biosecurity is everyone's responsibility, from the federal government through to state and territory governments as well as farmers, importers, exporters and international travellers. Last night I spoke with each state and territory agriculture minister to inform them of the establishment of the federal exotic animal disease preparedness task force and to discuss their own efforts to prepare for a foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease outbreak should one occur. While the task force will comprise federal officials, it will work closely with states and territories. We have also spoken with industry to ensure that their views are being heard, and they will be engaged to assist the task force as required.

It is this spirit of collaboration and desire to work together to ensure that state and federal government response plans are robust that is a hallmark of the Albanese government and is something deeply appreciated by all levels of government as well as industry. On this side of the chamber we are focused on getting the job done, because this issue and the people it affects are more important than politics. (Time expired)