TOUGHER penalties were introduced this month for travellers who fail to declare biosecurity risk items when coming into Australia from overseas.
Earlier this month a Spanish man, 20, became the first person to have his visa cancelled in addition to a fine for $3,300 for carrying over a kilogram of undeclared raw pork meat and cheese in his luggage.
This follows the announcement by the Federal Government last October that it would be increasing infringement amounts for anyone caught with banned items in a bid to prevent diseases and pests from entering the country.
In May 2022, an outbreak of FMD was reported in cattle in Indonesia and this spread to Bali.
The emergence and rapid spread of FMD in Indonesia changed the risk profile for passengers and goods arriving in Australia.
Travellers trying to enter Australia with prohibited food products in 2023 are being hit with the country’s toughest biosecurity infringements to date.
Travellers who have their visa cancelled are removed from Australia on the earliest available flight and can face an exclusion period of three years before they are able to reapply for a visa.
Minister for Agriculture Murray Watt said it was a strong reminder that travellers will be caught and punished for breaking Australia’s tough biosecurity laws.
“I hope this man regrets his actions, his visit to Australia was over before it even began, and he’s been sent packing with a hefty fine,” he said.
“We are serious about keeping foot and mouth and other diseases out of the country, and travellers need to remember that when they’re trying to enter Australia.”