Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes the importance of well resourced, expert biosecurity operations in protecting Australia's biosecurity status and agricultural industry; and

(b) calls on the Government to rule out any push to integrate Australia's biosecurity operations into the new Australian Border Force Agency.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government is committed to the continued integrity of Australia's biosecurity arrangements. It is important that government agencies work effectively together to avoid unnecessary costs on business while ensuring their critical roles are fulfilled. It is important that this is done in a way that does not compromise Australia's biosecurity protections and quarantine capabilities, since that could compromise our competitive advantage and trade status, along with our agricultural and environmental integrity.

Question agreed to.