Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The work and dedication of Biosecurity Tasmania staff during the COVID-19 response has been formally acknowledged today for playing a vital role in maintaining the state’s strong biosecurity system during the COVID-19 response.
I was pleased to meet with Biosecurity Tasmania staff across the State (virtually and face-to-face) at an event at the DPIPWE New Town Research Laboratories earlier today to celebrate their commitment to keeping Tasmania safe.
The number one priority of the Tasmanian Government is the health, well-being and safety of Tasmanians and this would not be possible without the dedication of Biosecurity Tasmania staff.
Biosecurity Tasmania staff have played, and continue to play, a critical role in managing the COVID-19 requirements for people arriving into Tasmania. BT staff have also been involved in a number of important COVID-19 response roles including stakeholder communications and more recently through the G2G app.
While Biosecurity Tasmania has had an important role across all of Tasmania’s airports and seaports during the COVID-19 pandemic, the teams have also been undertaking activities in other areas to maintain the state’s strict biosecurity requirements.
Resources have been directed to freight and mail centres, following an increase in the volume of mail entering the state. Biosecurity Tasmania follows up on the detection of all non-compliant goods with both the importer and exporter of the goods with relevant compliance actions, ranging from compliance letters, increased and targeted surveillance, infringement notices, as well as prosecution.
Tasmania has a rigorous and effective biosecurity system to protect our annual $2.4 billion agri-food production and our $3.4 billion in exports.
The Tasmanian Government thanks all Biosecurity Tasmania’s staff for their professionalism in continuing to help protect our state, our industries and our environment.
