9. Question No. 9—BiosecurityANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister for BiosecurityQuestion No. 9—Biosecurity9. ANGELA ROBERTS (Labour) to the Minister for Biosecurity: What measures are being taken by the Government to protect the country from foot-and-mouth disease?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR (Minister for Biosecurity): Over the past month I have instructed officials to take a number of measures additional to the already robust biosecurity system we have in place in order to protect New Zealand's economy from foot-and-mouth disease. After the announcement of foot-and-mouth outbreak in Indonesia we launched a foot-and-mouth readiness task force to ensure our preparedness work is refreshed. I also instructed Biosecurity New Zealand to conduct an on-the-ground audit of the palm kernel supply chain in Indonesia in order to ensure practice in this supply chain was meeting our strict health standards. It was found to be meeting our standards but we'll continue to monitor that. We also provided Indonesian authorities with personal protective equipment disinfectant backpacks for sprayers and other tools to assist with Indonesia's on-the-ground response as well as providing technical expertise. Other additional measures we've put in place include a new wide-reaching awareness campaign targeting travellers before they travel to Indonesia through in-flight announcements and on arrival at international airports. Every passenger arrival card is examined and those assessed as a risk are directed to a different process of questioning baggage search and disinfection. This means that should passengers transit other airports risks are still addressed. We're also providing regular updates to primary sector partners and the country's veterinary network and working with primary sector partners to ensure their farmers remain vigilant. We're committed to doing what we can to keep foot-and-mouth out of New Zealand.Angela Roberts: What engagement has the Government taken to date with international partners to protect the country from foot-and-mouth disease?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: Biosecurity New Zealand's experts are providing me with regular advice on the foot-and-mouth situation as it is overseas and based on this advice we will continue to adapt our approach. This includes working closely with our counterparts in Australia who have also stepped up their biosecurity measures following the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Indonesia. We're in constant contact sharing information and advice on our respective biosecurity responses. And as I noted in the primary response I instructed Biosecurity New Zealand to conduct the on-the-ground audit of palm kernel supply and we've provided equipment and advice and expertise to the Indonesian Government to help them battle this.Angela Roberts: What Budget support has been provided to protect the country from foot-and-mouth disease?Hon DAMIEN O'CONNOR: The Government has made significant biosecurity investments in recent years including the $110.9 million in Budget 2022. This included $21.2 million to boost critical diagnostic surveillance and investigative capability and heightened readiness for foot-and-mouth and other high impact animal diseases. This Government is committed to protecting New Zealand's economic security.