Biosecurity receives boost in Northern Territory Government Budget

The 2022/23 Northern Territory Government budget includes an annual increase of $1.9 million for increased biosecurity capacity.

As part of Budget 2022, the Territory Government has announced an ongoing $3.19 million package to accelerate fishing and aquaculture and protect agribusiness in the Territory.

In recognition of the increased biosecurity threat level being encountered by the Northern Territory’s agribusiness sector, 10 new positions are being recruited across all regions.

There will be 2 new deputy positions to support the Chief Plant Health Officer, Dr Anne Walters and the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Sue Fitzpatrick in the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. These new positions will be deployed to oversee plant and livestock biosecurity operations and industry engagement.

There will also be 3 new stock inspectors to supplement existing staff in the regions and support cattle movements and disease preparedness right across the Territory. With 2 major animal diseases detected in Indonesia (lumpy skin disease, and foot-and-mouth disease) the Livestock Biosecurity team are working closely with the cattle industry and at the national level to prepare for potential incursions as they also respond to recent Japanese encephalitis detections.

A new Plant Molecular scientist will be added to the Plant Biosecurity team at Berrimah Farm Science Precinct and a new plant biosecurity officer will be added to the Alice Springs team. As more plant pests and diseases are being detected, it’s important for the Plant Biosecurity team to work closely with industry to either eradicate or manage these new threats. The team’s recent work has included responding to detections of American serpentine leafminer, mango shoot looper and banana freckle.

With aquaculture also receiving a budget allocation of $1.29 million for a new innovation hub and centre of excellence at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, another aquatic pathologist will be employed in the Berrimah Veterinary Laboratory to support industry growth.

Two central positions will be created to support the Biosecurity team in systems and legislation to ensure that our regulatory environment is contemporary and fit for purpose.

The new positions will be advertised in July 2022 and recruitment will be prioritised to get the new biosecurity team members in place as soon as possible, focusing on delivering better biosecurity outcomes for the Territory.

Senior Executive Director Biosecurity and Animal Welfare, Lorraine Corowa is focused on leading the Territory Government’s Biosecurity team to support industry in the face of increased pest and disease threats. As the Northern Territory’s representative on the National Biosecurity Committee, Lorraine continues to advocate for increased collaboration and resourcing in northern Australia.

”I’m extremely conscious that the Northern Territory plays a critical role as the front line for biosecurity surveillance in our region and it’s important to work together with the Australian government and industry to lift our investment and our vigilance.”

Accelerating agribusiness and aquaculture is key to the Territory Government’s goal to grow the local economy to $40 billion economy by 2030.