Authored by Dr Annie Ruttledge, Senior Policy Advisor, AgForce Queensland Farmers
AgForce is a peak organisation dedicated to ensuring the long-term growth, viability, competitiveness and profitability of broadacre agricultural industries in Queensland. AgForce is primarily funded through membership fees from over 6,000 farmers, individuals, and businesses who support its mission, including our valued strategic partner Thynne + Macartney.
AgForce policy committees have a crucial role in supporting the AgForce Board in formulating strong policy positions and developing advocacy strategies. With the valued support of agri-business legal expert Phoebe Wright at Thynne + Macartney, the AgForce Biosecurity Committee influences agricultural biosecurity outcomes at both state and national level (through the National Farmers Federation, the NFF), including direct advocacy via briefings with Ministerial and Departmental staff, as well as via formal consultation processes. The biosecurity committee also assists by providing advice and guidance to AgForce members, and consults with a wide range of stakeholders and biosecurity specialists.
This year, due to the coordinated effort of the AgForce Biosecurity Committee, our AgForce Leadership team, and other peak agricultural organisations state and federally, the highly controversial Commonwealth Biosecurity Protection Levy did not commence as expected on 1 July 2024. This concerted advocacy has led to ongoing discussions and consultations with the Federal Government to address the issues raised by producers and ensure a fair and effective federal approach to biosecurity funding.
The AgForce Biosecurity Committee, together with AgForce commodity and main Boards, are currently focused on the following key biosecurity advocacy areas:
- Third party access and respect for farm biosecurity: Farming land is often accessed by other industries who share legal rights to access agricultural properties. This can include electricity providers, resource and gas companies, licence or permit holders, or those who have an agreement for access. AgForce has repeatedly called for a review of legislation (Biosecurity Act 2014 and Biosecurity Regulation 2016) to require all parties to comply with farm biosecurity plans or biosecurity management plans.
- Additional Front-line Officers: AgForce welcomes the new LNP Government’s commitment to bolster Queensland’s agriculture budget with an additional $50M and 100 frontline officers over four years. AgForce will continue to hold conversations with the new Government towards determining priorities for these positions, including succession planning to prevent the loss of teachable skills.
- Washdown Facilities and Effluent Disposal: Queensland requires a network of fit-for-purpose washdown and livestock effluent disposal facilities. AgForce will continue working with multiple State Departments and stakeholders towards a sustainable funding model for the repair, upgrade, and operation of these facilities.
- Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA): In March 2024, AgForce appeared at the Federal Senate inquiry into RIFA, emphasising the critical need for eradication to protect agricultural production, farming families, and natural resources. Additionally, AgForce is aware that yellow crazy ants pose significant threats to our northern members, and we have already provided advice to incoming Queensland Government Ministers that well-resourced eradication efforts are essential to mitigate associated socio-economic and environmental costs. To inform the new Government, AgForce will continue engaging to ensure support and resourcing for invasive ant eradication programs.
- Mandatory Electronic Identification of Sheep and Goats: AgForce advocates for an equitable cost-sharing arrangement between industry and government to implement mandatory electronic identification. Increased financial support is crucial to avoid jeopardising the future of Queensland’s small livestock industries.
- Wild Dog Barrier Fence, the Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board Fence, and cluster exclusion fencing. AgForce will highlight the continued importance of State investment in physical pest barriers to protect agri-business and local communities from wild dogs, pigs, rabbis and other vertebrate pests.
- Brands Act 1915: The AgForce Cattle Board have worked collaboratively with the State Government throughout 2023 and 2024 on proposed changes to the Act, and the need for a new Brands Database. AgForce is seeking a new Bill to be tabled as a matter of priority.
- ZP50 bait mouse control: AgForce Grain and AgForce Cane seek the Government’s assistance to have the APVMA reinstate the use permit allowing the application of ZP50 mouse bait to assist in controlling major outbreaks of vermin that plague our cropping communities.
AgForce, with assistance from Thynne + Macartney, will continue to work diligently to advance biosecurity measures, promote strong policy, and protect the interests of Queensland’s agricultural sector. For further information, please contact Dr Annie Ruttledge, Senior AgForce Policy Advisor at email ruttledgea@agforceqld.org.au
