New biosecurity safety advertisement applauded

Federated Farmers applauds the Australian Government’s intention to take border security more seriously by launching a new compulsory biosecurity safety video aimed at all incoming aircraft and cruise line passengers.

The safety video depicts people trying to use everyday excuses to get past Australian border officials with fish, wooden objects, plants and other material hidden in their luggage.

"This video is an example of what is needed at every New Zealand point of entry," Federated Farmers national president Katie Milne says.

Their new mandatory passenger announcement is engaging, vibrant and available in written and audio formats in 14 languages.

It is a legal requirement under Australian law for the video to be shown.

"Air New Zealand is well known for its effective passenger safety videos; it would be great to see biosecurity campaigns gain that same sort of standing.

"It is all very well to have rapping All Blacks, Hollywood starlets and world-class surfers teach people about how to brace for a crash, but it would be incredibly helpful if the same sort of effort could be put in place to address risks to the nation’s agriculture sector," says Katie.

Agriculture is a significant contributor to our economy. We need visitors and returning Kiwis to be part of protecting it.

So when people, especially farmers, have finished their travels, taking selfies with cows, playing pan flutes with llamas, we want everyone entering the country to know what they put at risk if they attempt to hide or don’t declare at-risk items.

"You risk our future. You risk our communities. You could close the nation down."

To view the Australian border security video, click here: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/avm/aircraft/guidelines-operators/passenger-video.

ENDS

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