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6643 2428 out and send presents,” Dr Locke said. and income to support their families and communities back home.”

“Unfortunately, there are some traditional gifts for Lunar New Year that could introduce pests and diseases into Australia.

“We often see items at the border that contain pork, fruit, plants, herbs and eggs. Items like these could pose a high risk of introducing pests and diseases.

“Pork, for example, is a serious risk as it can carry both foot and mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF).

“FMD is a highly contagious disease affecting many animals Australia relies on for food, milk and fbre.

A widespread FMD outbreak could cost the Australian economy $80 billion over ten years. ASF would ravage our pork industry, market access and economy.

“Australia remains ASF and FMD free, but we must continue to stay alert to the risk.

“Fruit, plants and herbs could carry diseases such as citrus canker and fre blight, which attack fruit trees, destroying our horticulture industry and barring our producers from overseas trade.

“If you want to buy gifts for your family this year, buy locally. There are Australian businesses who stock plenty of traditional Lunar New Year gifts.

Minister Watt said strengthening the biosecurity capability of both nations was vital.

“We need to be incredibly vigilant, particularly with exotic animal disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease and lumpy skin disease in Indonesia.”

“If left uncontrolled, there is a risk these diseases could spread through PNG and come to Australia.

“That’s why last year the Albanese Government provided $5 million in funding to provide technical expertise and support to PNG to assist their work in combatting livestock diseases.

“I’m looking forward to engaging in further dialogue with my ministerial counterpart in PNG to continue progressing these opportunities.”

“If you have relatives or friends overseas who might send gifts, make sure they are aware of what they can and can’t send to Australia by checking the department’s website or the imports database, BICON.

“If you’re travelling to Australia for the New Year, make sure you complete your incoming passenger card truthfully, by marking YES on your card to declare if you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal products.

“If you fail to declare biosecurity risk items, you may receive an infringement notice of up to $5,500 and you may have your visa cancelled. Not packing any of these products and buying locally in Australia is a much safer option and will also reduce your time at the airport!

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and none of us can afford to be complacent.

“Australia’s agricultural industry and environment rely on all of us playing our part to keep out dangerous pests and diseases.”

Check what you can bring into Australia at www.agriculture.gov. au/biosecurity-trade/ travelling/bringingmailing-goods.