KEY POINTS:
Australia's quarantine inspection service is likely to be abolished under an overhaul of the nation's biosecurity system after last year's equine influenza outbreak. An independent report recommends a new biosecurity system be set up at a cost of A$260 million ($313 million) a year, to combat the growing threat of globalisation, climate change and the potential for agri-terrorism. Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said the Government has given in-principle support to all 84 recommendations of the Beale report. One of its key recommendations is the establishment of a new national biosecurity authority, bringing together the functions of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, Biosecurity Australia and parts of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
