Meeting with Biosecurity New Zealand to help further protect Tasmania – Premier of Tasmania

Jo Palmer,Minister for Primary Industries and Water

While in New Zealand this week promoting Tasmanias world-class produce and building trade opportunities, I prioritised meeting with Stuart Anderson, Deputy-Director General for Biosecurity New Zealandand his key staff, to share and learn what we are both doing to protect our uniquely beautiful islands.

As islands heavily reliant on primary industry, New Zealand, like Tasmania, understands the importance of strong biosecurity.

Although New Zealand Parliament was sitting, I was very pleased that Damien OConnor, New Zealand Minister for Biosecurity, Agriculture and Trade and Export Growth, was also able to take time out from his busy schedule to join our meeting.

Foot and Mouth Disease was front and centre of discussions including current monitoring and surveillance operations, industry engagement and stakeholder management.

It was very pleasing to note the activities being implemented by New Zealand are aligned with Tasmania and I am confident we are doing our utmost to protect the industry.

Other issues discussed in our comprehensive meeting included Fruit Fly, Blueberry Rust and National Animal Identification systems, and community and stakeholder engagement around the shared responsibility of biosecurity.

With existing direct air and sea links, and more promising trade opportunities being realised, it is important we have strong collaboration with Biosecurity New Zealand.

With Tasmanias borders once again open to the world, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is taking action to grow and diversify our economic opportunities across the globe.

New Zealand is already one of our most important trading partners, with annual exports valued at over $100 million.

This trade mission is further identifying opportunities across key areas for our future economic growth including advanced manufacturing, defence, food, agribusiness, energy, tourism, and, of course, our world-class primary industries.

Trade missions are one of the best ways to boost sales for businesses, and there was a very strong response from businesses eager to be involved and showcase their products.

The trade mission is an initiative of our New Zealand Integrated Trade Strategy, which is a key part of meeting our overall international trade target of $15 billion by 2050.

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Meeting with Biosecurity New Zealand to help further protect Tasmania - Premier of Tasmania