A Minns Labor Government will strengthen and secure the resilience of our Agriculture industry, by legislating and funding an Independent Biosecurity Commission, that will be headed by a new Biosecurity Commissioner who will provide independent advice and report to Parliament on an annual basis.

Besides the existential threat of climate change – biosecurity, weeds and pests present the most significant threat to the environment and a productive primary industries sector.

In 2014 it was conservatively estimated that the cost to NSW agriculture from weeds is approximately $1.8 billion annually.

NSW needs a stronger voice to tackle the threat of biosecurity.

The Government’s approach has been piecemeal, lacks transparency and coordination, and is disproportionate to the economic and environmental threat posed by invasive species.

The first task of this Commission will be to work with the Natural Resource Commission to develop a clear picture of the extent of invasive species and the damage they are doing to both the environment and the agricultural industry, so appropriate action can be taken to better protect NSW farmers.

NSW Labor will also:

• Direct $10 million to a good neighbour program to tackle weed and pest infestations on government land neighbours private property.
• Re-engage a Dairy and Fresh Food Advocate to look at supply chains, address food security issues and be a voice for farmers.

A Minns Labor Government will also ensure a strong and independent NSW Agriculture Commissioner to provide more protection for our best farmland, and ensure food security and a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.

The current model lacks independence, and the teeth and resources to get the job done.

This commission will report back to NSW parliament and be tasked with addressing critical issues in the bush such as identifying and protecting state significant land and renewable energy projects.

Chris Minns, NSW Labor Leader said: “A strong agriculture sector underpins the success of our rural and regional communities – and our rural and regional communities underpin the success of our economy and our state.

“Today is an affirmation that a Minns Labor Government will work closely with NSW Farmers and more broadly the NSW food and agribusiness industry to make the most of the agricultural opportunities available to NSW.

“Biosecurity is the responsibility of everyone, and failures affect everyone.

“Regional NSW has had a difficult four years, moving from the grip of the worst drought in 100 years into a series of historic flood events. This in conjunction with the ongoing mice plague, biosecurity incursions such as Varroa mite and the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 have had mammoth economic impacts on the bush.

“NSW Labor is committed to supporting regional NSW and we will have more to say on this ahead of the 2023 election.

Mick Veitch, Shadow Minister for Regional NSW, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Shadow Minister for Western NSW said:

“Many of the policies we are announcing are ones which should already be in place, however the NSW Government have increasingly taken our regional communities for granted and not put in the safeguards necessary for their livelihoods.

“Today NSW Labor has demonstrated our commitment to making the bush more resilient and to working hand in hand with our regional communities.

“These announcements are a first step in what will be an ongoing conversation with an industry foundational to our states economic health.

CHRIS MINNS MP
NSW LABOR LEADER 

MICK VEITCH MLC
SHADOW MINISTER FOR REGIONAL NSW
SHADOW MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR WESTERN NSW