Archived Media Release
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Senator for Queensland
Senator the Hon. Joe Ludwig

9 March 2011

Australia-Indonesia partnership to combat animal diseases

The Australian and Indonesian Agriculture Ministers have today announced a partnership program to build an even stronger animal health system in Indonesia to help control endemic and emerging animal diseases.

Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, said a more robust animal health system in Indonesia would help protect human and animal health and would increase agricultural production, help ease poverty and promote regional stability.

“The Australia Indonesia Partnership for Emerging Infectious Diseases program will benefit Australians and Indonesians,” Minister Ludwig said.

“This program is a great example of how targeted investment offshore strengthens our capacity to prevent animal pests and diseases, such as avian influenza, from reaching our borders.

“Quarantine measures at the border are important elements of a robust biosecurity system, but they’re not all there is to it.

“Diseases don’t recognise borders - strong biosecurity means working with our neighbours to combat emerging infectious diseases in animals, including those that could affect humans.

“Australia’s enviable animal and plant health status, and the agricultural trade that relies on it, requires strategic investment offshore as well as onshore and at the border so we can meet current and future biosecurity challenges.”

The Australia Indonesia Partnership for Emerging Infectious Diseases is worth $22 million over four years. It is funded by AusAID and delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) through the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer.

Media contact:
Sarah McSporran 0423 823 843 or 02 6277 7520