March 9, 2016
The Coalition Government is investing $800,000 to increase horticulture exports and create jobs growth.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the government would provide training for around 400 additional industry-based Plant Export Authorised Officers (AOs), increasing total numbers by more than one-third.
Exporters will be able to have their own staff trained as AOs, or employ third parties who will undertake inspections for select overseas markets, without having to pay for a Department of Agriculture and Water Resources AO.
“Small exporters will gain the most benefit from this, saving time and money and gaining increased flexibility in their export operations” Mr Chester said.
“The use of external AOs gives the industry greater flexibility in their inspection arrangements and reduces costs for the business.
“It will also speed up the assessment process, which is crucial for an industry sending fresh produce across the globe, often with a short shelf life.”
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce said the Coalition Government was continually working in partnership with industry to expand the number of markets that can be accessed by Australian exporters.
“Recent work with protocol market countries has seen industry-employed AOs able to service markets previously restricted only to departmental AOs,” Minister Joyce said.
“This is another example of the government reducing unnecessary red tape, which is critical to achieve a fair return at the farm gate.”
For information on authorised officers, visit agriculture.gov.au/export/controlled-goods/plants-plant-products/ao.
For information on the PASE programme, please visit agriculture.gov.au/export/from-australia/package-assisting-small-exporters.
CAPTION: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Government would train industry-based assessors to reduce costs in the horticulture sector and generate jobs growth.
