The NSW Government appointed an Interim Biosecurity Commissioner, who will supervise the development of an independent biosecurity commission and begin work on mapping the State’s pest and weed risks.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty stated that interim Commissioner Dr Marion Healy has more than 20 years of high-level expertise and experience in detecting and managing biosecurity hazards associated with the transportation of plant products and their impact on the Australian ecosystem.
“I know biosecurity risks present the most significant threat to the primary industries sector, the economy, the environment and our communities, and today’s appointment demonstrates that we are delivering on our election commitments,” Minister Moriarty said.
“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the independent biosecurity commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry,” Minister Moriarty added.
In collaboration with the Department of Primary Industries, Dr Healy will work on the following in the next three months:
- develop a discussion paper outlining the function and powers of the NSW Biosecurity Commissioner for targeted consultation with government and stakeholders
- engage the Natural Resources Commission to create a baseline study on the number of pests and weeds on public lands
- begin scoping criteria and determining the target of the $10 million Good Neighbour Program.
“It’s really important that we tackle the biosecurity challenges that come from pests and weeds and that government are good neighbours,” Minister Moriarty said.
“Farmers and landowners do their very best to keep weeds and other pests out, and we need to make sure all other landowners are doing the same – including the government,” Minister Moriarty added.
By the end of 2023, a statutory position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will be formed and appointed.
