May 1, 2026

 

Northern Territory, Australia, announces increased funding to support frontline livestock biosecurity

 

 

The Northern Territory, Australia government has announced four new livestock biosecurity officers and a $1 million uplift in funding to support frontline biosecurity and strengthen the integrity of the livestock supply chain.

 

The funding boost, announced as part of the 2026-27 budget, is designed to strengthen the Territory's biosecurity presence on the ground and protect an industry which plays a critical role in driving jobs, exports and long-term regional growth, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said.

 

He said strong biosecurity systems were essential to maintaining market access, protecting herd health and ensuring confidence across the supply chain.

 

"In our year of growth, certainty, and security, we are backing our cattle industry and making sure it has the strong foundations it needs to grow," Maley said.

 

"Biosecurity is not optional, it is critical to protecting our livestock, supporting our exporters, and safeguarding the jobs and businesses that rely on this industry."

 

The ongoing funding will support a range of critical activities, including:

 

    - Establishment of a dedicated traceability and compliance unit with the introduction of new systems to strengthen livestock traceability;

 

    - Digitalisation of NT Waybills, improving efficiency and accuracy in movement of livestock;

 

    - Increased focus on emergency animal disease preparedness;

 

    - Enhanced support for NT Police investigations into livestock theft.

 

Maley said the investment would deliver practical, on-the-ground improvements for producers, exporters, and communities.

 

"This is about making it easier to do business, strengthening compliance, and ensuring our supply chains are secure from paddock to port," he said.

 

This investment builds on the CLP Government's broader strategy to rebuild the economy by backing key industries with strong long-term growth potential, including agriculture, mining, energy, and tourism.

 

"The Territory remains Australia's frontline when it comes to biosecurity risks, and this investment ensures our producers, supply chains and markets remain protected," Maley said.
 

- NT Government