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

Thank you, Senator Ciccone, for your ongoing interest in this important matter. As I have consistently said, the first point to make on anything regarding this matter is that Australia remains foot-and-mouth disease free, and the Albanese government is working hard in partnership with the states, territories and industries to keep it that way. While the risk of foot-and-mouth disease or lumpy skin disease entering Australia is low, it is not zero. As I've said before, experts have assessed the risk of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Australia over the next five years as 11.6 per cent and a lumpy skin disease outbreak as 28 per cent. We cannot assume it will stay that way, and that's why we need to keep doing more.

I've previously spoken of our two-pronged approach: taking action at home and abroad. Today, I'm pleased to announce a new, third prong: taking action now to make sure we will be fully prepared if an outbreak were to occur here. That's why, earlier today, I announced the creation of a new exotic animal disease task force to ensure Australia is fully prepared to respond swiftly to growing biosecurity threats. The task force will thoroughly assess our current level of national preparedness and advise of any improvements needed. While the federal, state and territory governments all have well-developed security response plans in place, we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we are ready should an outbreak occur.

Importantly, this task force will be a vehicle for collaboration across the Commonwealth, and it will be co-chaired by senior officials from Emergency Management Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. It will also include officials from the Defence Force, Border Force, and Animal Health Australia. By bringing together the best expertise from across government, we can ensure there are no gaps in our response. I note the National Farmers Federation has welcomed this announcement, saying, 'It's the right idea', and this continues the close partnership between the Albanese government and industry in managing biosecurity. Good governments plan for the best and prepare for the worst; that's exactly what we are doing. (Time expired)