Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies and Charges Collection 2024

# Agriculture (Biosecurity Protection) Levies and Charges Collection Bill 2024 ## What it does This bill sets up the system for collecting money that farms and agricultural businesses have to pay to fund Australia's biosecurity protection (keeping out pests, diseases and invasive species). It establishes who pays what, when payments are due, and what happens if someone doesn't pay on time. ## Why it matters Biosecurity keeps Australian agriculture healthy and protects our food supply from devastating diseases and pests. This bill makes sure the money actually gets collected to fund that protection — without it, the system wouldn't have the resources to operate. ## Key details - **Late payments cost extra**: If you owe a levy or charge and don't pay on time, you'll be hit with a late payment penalty - **The government can chase debts**: The bill gives officials powers to recover unpaid amounts, including reducing future payments owed to you - **Record-keeping is mandatory**: Agricultural businesses must keep proper records and provide returns when asked — failing to do so attracts penalties - **Enforcement teeth**: The bill includes monitoring and investigation powers, plus civil penalties, so the government can actually enforce compliance