Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt will hold face-to-face talks with his Indonesian counterparts in Jakarta this week as Australia supports Indonesia’s efforts to contain the spread of foot and mouth disease.
Mr Watt will be accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, including Australia’s chief veterinary officer Dr Mark Schipp, along with National Farmers’ Federation president Fiona Simson.
This high-level delegation demonstrates a united stand between government and the farm sector to ensure we keep Australian agriculture safe.
Mr Watt said the two-day visit was the next step in the Federal Government’s effort to combat FMD, building on new biosecurity measures introduced, including extra screening of travellers, luggage and mail, biosecurity detector dogs, more information for travellers and signage in airports.
The ministerial mission will solidify efforts by both countries to prevent FMD spreading further.
“The Albanese Government is taking strong action on FMD at home and abroad,” Mr Watt said.
“This two-pronged approach is about strengthening our biosecurity defences at home, and supporting Indonesia to manage and contain the outbreak there.”
The visit will build on the strong foundation made by Prime Minister Albanese’s visit to Indonesia last month, where he offered vaccines and technical expertise to assist Indonesia responding to FMD.
“FMD would have a significant impact on Australian agriculture if it reaches our shores, and we are taking practical measures to prevent that,” Mr Watt said.
While in Indonesia, Mr Watt will meet with the Indonesian Ministers for Agriculture, Disaster Management and Fisheries, as well as with leading Indonesian agribusiness representatives.