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DAFF News 25th November 2011 |
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DAFF News
November 2011
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Contents
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Working to sustain the way of life and prosperity of all Australians
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DAFF has now launched its new strategic statement to 'sustain the way of life and prosperity of all Australians'.
The strategic statement reflects the important role the department plays in ensuring safe and secure food choices for the Australian people and helping portfolio industries to be globally competitive and sustainable.
It's not easy to find a way of explaining the role of such a diverse and complex department, the new strategic direction aims to capture the benefit DAFF brings to the country.
You may have already noticed that DAFF News has changed. You can expect to see more exciting changes from the department soon that will make it easier to identify and access our programs and services.
To read about the changes, visit the DAFF website.
To view the latest media releases from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry visit the Minister's website.
To view DAFF's latest media releases visit our website.
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what you think of the new DAFF News.
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Strong action to stop illegal timber trade
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The Australian Government has introduced legislation prohibiting the importation and sale of illegally logged timber which has been estimated to cost $60 billion each year in environmental and social costs internationally.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill (2011) shows how far the Australian Government is prepared to go to stop illegal logging.
“Illegal logging is a major problem for many developing nations, causing forest degradation, loss of habitat and biodiversity, threatening sustainable livelihoods and contributing to global carbon emissions,” Minister Ludwig said.
“This legislation will lead to an even economic playing field for the purchase and sale of legally logged timber products in Australia.”
Further information about illegal logging can be found on the DAFF Website.
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Border agencies streamline mail screening
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Australia’s border agencies have successfully completed trials of international mail screening at the Australia Post international mail centres in Sydney and Brisbane.
DAFF and Customs have traditionally undertaken dual screening, with officers from both agencies screening incoming mail.
With the aim of improving efficiency, recent trials have evaluated the effectiveness of a single agency performing primary x-ray screening.
The responsibility for screening is based on information gathered on incoming mail and the potential border risk.
As a result of the trials, a number of initiatives will be implemented across the four mail centres in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
To find out more about biosecurity reform visit the DAFF website.
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Reforms a boost for agriculture and veterinary chemicals
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Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and the Minister Assisting on Deregulation, Senator Nick Sherry, have announced a comprehensive package of reforms to cut red tape and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals regulation.
The reforms aim to encourage the development of modern and safe chemicals by removing barriers for companies to invest in cutting edge technologies and improve access to chemical products for users.
“These measures provide for great outcomes all round; for manufactures and farmers, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), the public and the environment,” Minister Ludwig said.
Both ministers expressed their gratitude for the contribution stakeholders had made to the consultation process on the reforms to date. The draft legislation will be open for public comment until the end of February 2012.
Further reforms are also in progress under a Council of Australian Governments’ decision to develop a single national framework for the regulation of agvet chemicals. For more information visit the DAFF website.
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Agriculture sector to benefit from CRC funding
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Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has congratulated the two agriculture-related Cooperative Research Centres chosen to share in $148 million of government funding.
The Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) and Plant Biosecurity CRC are two of six successful applicants who will share in this competitive funding round.
These CRCs will now undertake important research focussed on tackling pest animal and plant incursions and protecting Australia from the risks that these incursions present.
Further details are available on the Minister’s website.
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Caring for our Country
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The importance of Landcare programs and volunteers has been acknowledged and celebrated.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Mike Kelly, have announced $7 million in Community Action Grants as part of the Caring for our Country initiative.
Now in its third year, this program has enabled local community groups to take action and make a difference through the conservation and protection of their local environment. For more information visit the Minister’s website.
More than 100 State and Territory Landcare awards have also been presented to individuals and groups across Australia.
Both nominees and winners represent the valuable work done by more than 6,000 groups and hundreds of thousands of individuals to protect and enhance our environment. A list of award winners can be found on the Landcare website.
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