May 8, 2024
The Nationals have launched an online petition against the Federal Government’s new Biosecurity Protection Levy which is due to start on July 1.
The party, which has dubbed the levy a “fresh food tax”, says it will hurt families and farmers amid a cost-of-living crisis.
The petition was launched at Beef2024 in Rockhampton on Wednesday to coincide with a national “day of action” against the levy organised by the National Farmers’ Federation.
Nationals Leader and Member for Maranoa David Littleproud urged all Australian farmers and families to get behind the campaign.
“We urge families and farmers to join us in this fight and to sign the petition to stop Labor’s fresh food tax,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This new tax will hurt almost all Australians, because farmers will be forced to pass on costs, meaning families will feel more pain at the grocery checkout.”
The Nationals have previously argued that the levy – which the Federal Government says will raise funds to lower the risk of exotic pests and diseases – should be imposed on imported containers and bulk imports coming by sea rather than rural industries.
“Labor has continued to ignore our pleas to stop this senseless new tax. We still don’t know how the tax will be collected or managed but we do know the tax will go towards consolidated revenue,” Mr Littleproud said.
A Senate inquiry into the levy is expected to hand down its report on Friday, ahead of a Senate vote.
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