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Ministerial mission heads to Indonesia

Jul 12, 2022

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is heading to Jakarta with senior officials and industry representatives to discuss the FMD outbreak in Indonesia.

Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is heading to Jakarta today to discuss Indonesia’s efforts to contain the spread of food and mouth disease.

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Senator 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.

The minister said the two-day visit was the next step in the government’s effort to combat FMD, building on new biosecurity measures that include extra screening of travellers, luggage and mail; biosecurity detector dogs; more information for travellers; and signage in airports.

“The Albanese Government is taking strong action on FMD at home and abroad,” Senator Watt said.

“This two-pronged approach is about strengthening our biosecurity defences at home, and supporting Indonesia to manage and contain the outbreak there.

“FMD would have a significant impact on Australian agriculture if it reaches our shores, and we are taking practical measures to prevent that.”

While in Indonesia, Senator Watt will meet with the Indonesian ministers for agriculture, disaster management and fisheries, as well as with leading Indonesian agribusiness representatives.

For more information on FMD visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/footandmouthdisease