Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia Funding Legislation Amendment 2021

# Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia Funding Legislation Amendment 2021 ## What it does This bill changes how funding works for two organisations that manage animal and plant health in Australia. Specifically, it creates a new funding priority that lets the government make payments on behalf of non-government groups (like livestock or horticulture industries) to help them meet financial obligations they've taken on under emergency biosecurity response agreements—basically deals they've signed up to during disease or pest outbreaks. ## Why it matters When disease or pests threaten Australian farms and crops, industry groups are often expected to chip in financially to help manage the response. This bill streamlines the process by allowing the government to pay their share directly rather than having those groups find the money themselves, which could speed up emergency responses and reduce the burden on farmers and growers during crises. ## Key details - **Commencement:** The changes take effect from 1 July 2022 - **Who's affected:** Livestock industries, horticultural producers, and any industry groups that sign "emergency biosecurity response deeds" with the government - **The mechanism:** Creates a third-priority use of Commonwealth payments to cover financial liabilities that non-government bodies have committed to under these emergency response agreements