Cotton Australia is pleased to announce the withdrawal of the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy (Levy). This result follows a collaborative effort where Cotton Australia added its voice to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) campaign against the Levy.

The Levy was introduced in the 2023-24 Federal Budget. It was part of the Government’s biosecurity package, aiming to raise $51.8 million, with cotton growers slugged with a 60-cent levy per bale which would have equated to $3 million from the industry this year alone.

The Levy faced strong opposition in the Senate. The Greens, Coalition, One Nation, and Senators David Pocock, Jacqui Lambie, Tammy Tyrell, and Ralph Babet were not supportive of the proposed bill.

The Federal Government has not yet formally withdrawn the Levy. Cotton Australia, along with the NFF, is calling on the Government to abandon the legislation urging the Federal Government to work with farmers and stakeholders on a fairer solution.