I commissioned the Department of Primary Industries to draft a new Biosecurity Bill in 2011. 

In 2013, a Biosecurity Strategy was released, extensive consultation with industry and stakeholders was undertaken and more than 140 submissions were received earlier this year on the draft Framework to Protect NSW, which underpins the bill. 

Consultation with industry stakeholders has been undertaken and will continue as the reforms are implemented. 

This crucial bill will ensure the continued protection of our enviable biosecurity status into the future, while paving the way to ultimately repeal 10 full acts and large swathes of a further four acts, dating back to 1922. 

It uses plain English, it will reduce red tape for our farmers, and it ensures emergency preparedness and security from pests, weeds, diseases and contaminants is a priority for NSW. 

The Greens incorrectly stated that varroa mite, wheat aphid and three species of fire ant were omitted from the original draft bill. This was not the case. 

There were some minor omissions, and the bill will be amended prior to commencement to include these. By calling for this bill to be withdrawn from the NSW Parliament – despite a range of industry groups, including NSW Farmers, offering strong support to the legislation – the Greens have demonstrated just how out of touch they are with rural and regional NSW. 

If the Greens are truly serious about protecting our farmers and environment from biosecurity threats, they will get on board and support this incredibly important reform. 

Katrina Hodgkinson  

Minister for Primary 

Industries