82342 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity

82342 (2024). Hon Jo Luxton to the Minister for Biosecurity: If the management of Caulerpa fails, will people be compensated for the loss of food, similar to how farmers were compensated for Mycoplasma bovis?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: No. Mycoplasma bovis and exotic caulerpa present quite different challenges from a biosecurity management perspective. Mycoplasma bovis is a disease affecting cattle on farms, making it much easier to contain and eliminate than caulerpa which is a marine plant pest in a challenging environment that cannot be contained. This means that the management methods are very different. Section 162A of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act) provides that in certain circumstances a person or business is entitled to compensation where MPI has exercised powers, and a verifiable loss has resulted. For example: - if you have had property damaged or destroyed; or - if restrictions have been imposed on the movement or disposal of your goods, which have caused you loss. Losses must be verifiable, and reasonable steps must have been taken to mitigate any ongoing losses. Where MPI exercises powers under the Act, it will work closely with affected stakeholders to determine the losses and compensate them as per the requirements of the act.