Will Hodgman

• Action

The Liberals will introduce a specialised unit within the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment to protect Tasmania’s natural environment and agricultural advantages.

• What this policy means for you

There will be a specialised unit to protect Tasmania’s primary production, economy, natural environment, community health economy and our Tasmanian Island Brand from exotic weeds, pests and disease introductions.

The Liberals believe that the state needs an increased focus on biosecurity and quarantine, including investment in infrastructure and resources, a clear whole-of-government approach, and an increase in community awareness.

Tasmania relies heavily on exports from our agriculture, marine and aquaculture sectors, including fruit, vegetables, fish and livestock. Our sound reputation is based on our pest and disease free status and our clean natural image. There is no doubt that a significant insect pest incursion, a serious fungal disease or a weed invasion has the potential to destroy our export trade, severely damage our economy and damage our reputation.

A robust biosecurity regime that protects and prevents the incursion of exotic weeds, pests and diseases is critical for the environmental, social and economic prosperity of our island state.

A Hodgman Liberal Government will place the Fox Eradication Branch into the Biosecurity and Product Integrity division within DPIPWE, and apply the experience gained from that program to protecting Tasmania’s borders to future introductions of unwanted pests and diseases.

This new unit, Biosecurity Tasmania, will continue the statewide strategic fox baiting program and other eradication operations and monitoring activities.

We believe there is a need for greater accountability of the funds invested in the fox eradication program.  Given that the short sighted approach by the state government to quarantine with further real terms cut to the budget this year it seems incongruous that we are pouring millions into just one program - the fox eradication program - yet leaving our borders exposed to other possible incursions such as foxes, fruit fly, weeds and cane toads.

Should further evidence of a fox population in Tasmania emerge, then additional resources will be provided.

We are committed to a realignment of core biosecurity responsibilities through the establishment of Biosecurity Tasmania within DPIPWE to provide greater overall benefits to Tasmania for the resources invested.

 Your choice

LIBERAL

• Specialised unit Biosecurity Tasmania to protect our boarders

LABOR/GREEN

• Continued fragmentation and failure to protect our borders