Biosecurity Amendment (Improving Operational Efficiency) Bill 2026; Second Reading

Continued the debate

McGrath stated that the coalition supported the bill because it modernised biosecurity processes without weakening protections. McGrath explained that the legislation mandated a digital Australian travel declaration, extending existing civil penalties to this new channel while retaining paper fallbacks for those without devices. McGrath noted that the bill also improved procedural fairness for businesses by legislating notice requirements before adverse biosecurity decisions. However, he contrasted this border efficiency with what he described as government neglect of on-ground pest management, citing the removal of funding for feral animal control programs. McGrath argued that effective biosecurity required both strong borders and sustained investment in managing established pests like feral pigs and wild dogs.

Government response

Green welcomed the bill as a crucial modernisation of border processes that would benefit international visitors and the tourism sector. Green explained that the legislation facilitated the transition from paper-based forms to digital options, allowing travellers to provide information earlier and reducing airport queues. Green emphasised that the government remained committed to maintaining strong biosecurity standards and would not compromise the system's integrity. Green highlighted that the Albanese Labor government had committed over $2 billion in additional, sustainable funding for biosecurity since the 2022 election.