Features drivers around environmental tourism remain immense and amount to billions. • Industry has had little or no say in the first IGAB. We believe the time is now right for greater involvement from industry, hence the recommendation promoting greater roles for AHA and Plant Health Australia (PHA) along with industry and community engagement at National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) level. From my own perspective I found it a great privilege to be so closely engaged at all levels of the bureaucracies. Gaining an insight into the inner workings of government was a rare treat for me with my industry background. I certainly believe AHA is beautifully positioned to be part of the conduit between government and industry. The future is simple - a well-funded and resourced public sector complimented by an industry commitment and a positive culture to keep Australia’s farms and parklands safe from incursion of diseases and pests. This is everyone’s priority. Kevin Shiell, Australian Dairy Farmers One of the successes of the first IGAB is that there is now a multi-jurisdictional framework and work plan which offers the capability to look more closely at broadening the commitment among stakeholders to embrace a stronger partnership framework. The review report highlights the complexity of the national biosecurity system, and the roles and responsibilities of the many participants. With so many stakeholders how best to impart the partnership culture and achieve realistic engagement, is an ongoing challenge. The proposal for an Industry and Community Committee to sit alongside NBC, is probably about as good as we can hope for at this time, but it has its limitations. At a very broad level, industry involves all agricultural production industries and supply-chains, including transport, processing and product distribution. Then there are the community stakeholders that 2012 First IGAB came into effect as an agreement between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments (except Tasmania, which supports majority of the agreement) to improve Australia’s biosecurity system. will need to be corralled into the arrangement. The recommendations relating to resourcing also need to be given priority. The report clearly spells out that the national biosecurity system is underfunded. Industry groups have a role to play in communicating to their constituencies the importance and funding priority of prevention rather than response. Constantly taking this view forward to governments at the political level should also be a priority. I support the fact that market access is key. Working to improve our management of data and knowledge, nationally as recommended, is critical. The report provides a comprehensive framework on which to build the biosecurity partnership and we need to respond positively wherever possible. Too much is at stake. For more info about the IGAB review visit www.agriculture.gov. au/biosecurity/partnerships/nbc/ intergovernmental-agreement-onbiosecurity/igabreview. 2015 2017 Review of the agreement was initiated. After extensive consultation, final IGAB review report was presented to the Agriculture Ministers’ Forum. what’s next Development of a response to the report’s findings has been agreed to by the Agriculture Ministers, which will be implemented through the NBC. THE LINK AUT/WIN 18 17
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