Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Northern Territory Government strengthens biosecurity measures

11 December 2023

The Northern Territory Government is taking steps to strengthen biosecurity measures and protect the Territory's billion-dollar cattle industry from biosecurity risks.

Consultation with key stakeholders has commenced to strengthen the biosecurity legislative framework, including amendments to the Livestock Act 2008, Livestock Regulations Act 2009, and Trespass Act 2023.

The proposed changes will establish a legislative framework to ensure the Territory has effective and efficient disease control powers to deal with a declared emergency animal disease outbreak or threat.

The key amendments include:

provision for NT Police Officers to have the same powers of an inspector of livestock under the Livestock Act 2008 during an emergency. the implementation of Biosecurity Management Plans.strengthening the authority measures of Livestock Inspectors.updating the disease control measures in place to align with modern biosecurity requirements.mandating notice requirements for livestock owners to retrieve stray cattle.

updates to the Territory’s Trespass laws to capture more serious trespass offending that is deliberate and could be perceived as a biosecurity, safety, or economic risk.

Consultation is now open to everyone via the Have Your Say (HYS) website. [https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity]The consultation period is open for four weeks, with feedback to be submitted no later than 5:00pm, Friday, 12 January 2024.

The proposed reforms to the livestock biosecurity legislative framework are scheduled to occur in 2024.

For further information about the proposed changes and to view the draft Bill head to [https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/livestock-biosecurity].

Quotes attributable to the NT Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Rob Williams

"Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) threats like foot and mouth disease (FMD) and lumpy skin disease (LSD) continue to spread across Southeast Asia and threaten the Territory's cattle industry. The biosecurity challenges the Territory continues to face are complex and evolving."

"The proposed legislative amendments aim to ensure strict biosecurity guidelines, effective traceability, and high animal welfare standards, which are imperative to the Northern Territory remaining a reliable source for the supply of safe, disease-free, and ethically produced quality products."

Media contact - 08 8999 2096

Northern Territory Government

Unsubscribe https://ntgovernmentagencies.createsend1.com/t/t-u-vlhfa-l-y/