New Fresh Food Tax Will Drive up Cost of Living

Legislation concerning a new fresh food tax has been introduced in Parliament, with potential ramifications for increased living costs and adverse effects on families and farmers in Flynn. Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce, highlighted that the proposed biosecurity protection levy would require farmers to cover the biosecurity expenses associated with importers bringing their products into Australia.

“Labor is treating Australian farmers with contempt and unfortunately farmers will inevitably be forced to pass new costs onto consumers.” Mr Boyce said.
The tax rate will be determined based on an industry’s average gross value of production over a three-year period. However, concerns have been raised about the policy’s consultation process, which is viewed as disingenuous, as well as its implementation being costly, confusing, risky, and flawed, potentially endangering the entire voluntary levy system.