The government will delay introducing legislation to strengthen Tasmania’s biosecurity management before the election, drawing the ire of the Greens.
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The government earlier this year published the new draft laws for public consultation which ended at the start of June.
The intention was to update biosecurity measures and tie seven separate pieces of legislation together.
It would also reduce duplication and enable better management of pests, weeds and diseases.
The move came as the state’s blueberry and oyster industries were dealing with disease issues; the latter of which was costing producers millions of dollars.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff confirmed in Parliament on Wednesday that the government was still in the process of finalising the bill.
He said industry was still consulting with members on some of the bill’s items.
“The Hodgman government is listening to industry who want to take the time it needs to progress this very important reform to improve our biosecurity system for the future,” he said.
But Bass Greens MHA Andrea Dawkins said the government had been given five months to finalise the bill.
She said the state’s primary producers had been waiting for the modernised legislation for four years.
“By failing to introduce this key piece of legislation, essential to protecting the island’s brand, the Liberals have failed primary producers and all those who rely on Tasmania’s clean and green reputation,” Ms Dawkins said.