Premier Rockliff must resolve the staffing issues that are adding to Tasmania’s biosecurity risk, including properly funding Biosecurity Tasmania in the upcoming budget.
Having a strong and reliable agricultural policy and biosecurity barrier in Tasmania is critical for the investment plans of so many businesses and the economic future of the state.
It has become signature of this government to kick the can down the road on issues important to the state’s producers and as a result the industry is not confident in the decisions being made.
These decisions are failing Tasmanians and if the Liberals haven’t fixed it in 10 years, they never will.
Yesterday’s second detection of small hive beetle, the establishment of blueberry rust and concerns with the lack of preparedness for foot and mouth demonstrates that our Biosecurity system and response has holes in it.
It is not good enough that the government keeps saying there is nothing to see here.
When I speak to Biosecurity Tasmania staff, or their union, they tell me there is understaffing, which is exacerbated by long delays in filling vacancies and a high turnover due to job security.
Our dedicated Biosecurity workforce is doing the best they can in a broken system, but the pressure of trying to cover the gaps is impacting their health and safety.
The Rockliff Government must urgently act to repair our biosecurity barrier in the interests of workers and the hundreds of businesses that rely on it to be effective.
Janie Finlay MP
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries and Water