The Labor Party welcomes Minister
Palmer’s announcement today that the government will bolster Tasmania’s border
protection to combat Foot and Mouth disease – however it does not go far
enough.
The Rockliff-Ferguson Government should have had a
plan ready to go on day one and not be rolling out a pilot program now.
The government needs to ensure that
the state has tight biosecurity measures for those entering Tasmania from every
flight and port.
We must use the fact that Tasmania
is an island to our advantage, much like we did with the COVID pandemic.
Minister
Palmer’s announcement today has done little to alleviate concerns that the
government is prepared for a worst-case scenario.
I urge the government to move
quickly to establish more stringent measures, including the implementation of
electronic tracking of livestock.
While this is a massive and expensive exercise, it is vital compared to the devastation an outbreak could cost the state.
Shadow Minister for Primary Industries
