Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade Strengthening the Northern Territory's capabilities to manage exotic diseases

30 April 2024

The Northern Territory Government has taken a significant step towards strengthening the Territory's resources against exotic diseases with the implementation of several legislative changes to strengthen the Livestock Act 2008 and Livestock Regulations 2009.

Today, these legislative amendments have come in to force to streamline our tracing capabilities and support industry and livestock owners to remain free of exotic pests and diseases.

As part of this initiative, 15 properties across the Northern Territory, including 5 NT Government research stations, will trial a new biosecurity program. The program aims to streamline tracing capabilities and better support properties to remain free of any exotic pests and diseases. Commencing this week, these properties will trial a new Biosecurity Visitor App, which will support a seamless transition of over 200 properties to roll out Biosecurity Management Plans aligning with the implemented legislative changes in June. The Biosecurity Legislative Amendments will support the Territory's economy, bolstering our existing efforts to protect the NT and more broadly, Australia, against exotic diseases and pests. The Northern Territory's Agribusiness sector is worth $1.3 billion, with the Territory Government's of a $2 billion Agribusiness economy by 2030. The Territory Government has consulted with industry, key stakeholders, and Traditional Owners to develop the Biosecurity Legislative Amendments, which were passed through parliamentary sittings earlier this year. The Northern Territory remains free of all Emergency Animal Diseases, including Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot-and-mouth disease. Biosecurity is everyone's responsibility.If you spot something unusual, call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

You can read more about the changes and find out how to get involved here - [https://nt.gov.au/industry/agriculture/livestock-and-animals/changes-to-livestock-act]

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

“An outbreak of any disease in the Territory could potentially have an enormous impact on the Territory’s economy, including to our industries, communities and government budgetary resources in the short, medium and long term. These legislative amendments support our ongoing efforts to protect the Territory from exotic pests and diseases”

“The Northern Territory is on the frontline of Australia meaning it is critical we shape our legislation to protect industries that are vital to the Territory’s economy.”

Media contact

0409 640 859

Northern Territory Government

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