Wednesday, 26 March 2025
The Albanese Government’s latest federal budget has delivered some positives for the grass-fed beef industry in the form of funding to support border security, environmental protection, market access initiatives, and a national food security strategy.
Cattle Australia (CA) Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker, said despite the budget being underwhelming for agriculture, there were some silver linings that would provide positive outcomes in several key areas.
“Illegal boat arrivals on Australian shores are a potential pathway for pests and diseases to take hold on remote grazing properties on our northern coastline, and we have been calling on the Government to recognise this risk and provide increased funding for activities to prevent an incursion,” Dr Parker said.
“Biosecurity is critically important to market access, animal health, productivity, and food safety, and we are pleased to see the Government will provide $84.5 million over four years from 2025–26 to support Australia’s border security.
“Most importantly, $74.9 million of this will be spent in 2025–26 to address border and biosecurity threats from illegal fishing activities in Australia’s northern waters, including increasing the presence of the Australian Border Force and Australian Fisheries Management Authority in the region, and supporting prosecutions by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“Funding to upgrade the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness to continue its biosecurity functions is also very good news for biosecurity preparedness and testing and research into exotic animal diseases.”
Protecting our environment
Recognition of the positive contribution of beef producers in managing and protecting the environment is also a key priority for CA, particularly in the lead up to the federal election, and Dr Parker said funding that supports producers’ efforts was vital to ensuring ongoing sustainability.
“As custodians of 50% of Australia’s land mass, beef producers play an essential role in managing our unique environment and are integral to our nation’s environmental stewardship,” Dr Parker said.
“Australian beef producers are acutely aware of the risks and costs associated with managing our environment, last year spending $5.3 billion out of their own pockets to manage invasive plants, pests and diseases.
“We welcome the Government’s commitment of $11 million in 2025–26 to continue efforts to reduce the economic and environmental burden of established feral animals, pests and weeds, and look forward to learning more about the commitment of $200 million for the Saving Australia’s Bushland program, which will include providing better pest management and incentives for private land conservation.”
Market access, connectivity and a national food security strategy
“Market access and improved connectivity are vital to the prosperity of grass-fed beef producers and the communities in which they operate, and we endorse investments in these areas,” Dr Parker said.
“We also look forward to learning more about the National Food Security Strategy and working with Government and other agriculture industry stakeholders to develop a strategy that recognises the importance of Australia’s food and fibre producers, meets the needs of all Australian consumers, and ensures our place in the global market.”
ENDS
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Hayley Kennedy
hayley.kennedy@bluehillagency.com.au
0488 021 154
Stacey Wordsworth
stacey.wordsworth@bluehillagency.com.au
0438 394 371