Wednesday, 1 November 2023

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:34): I move:

That I introduce a bill for an act to amend the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994, the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010 and the Livestock Management Act 2010 and for other purposes.

Motion agreed to.

 Emma KEALY (Lowan) (09:34): I ask the minister for a brief explanation of the bill.

 Ros SPENCE (Kalkallo – Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Community Sport, Minister for Carers and Volunteers) (09:34): The bill makes amendments to the acts that I have mentioned to strengthen emergency management, traceability and enforcement provisions. The bill strengthens Victoria’s capability to manage biosecurity risks, including preparing for, responding to and recovering from the detection or outbreak of an exotic animal disease, plant disease or pest. The bill also supports a public commitment made by the Victorian government to improving exotic disease preparedness and response capability. The bill ensures a holistic and effective legislative framework for exotic pests and diseases to protect Victoria’s valuable agricultural and horticultural sectors. This will mitigate the potential risk of market access and trade disruptions associated with a detection or outbreak.

Read first time.

Ordered to be read second time tomorrow.