Importers locked out of $26 million fee refund
$26 million over-collected in biosecurity fees will not be returned to importers.
The government will not refund businesses about $26 million it over-collected in biosecurity fees. An audit in July found a problem.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry could not show its charges matched the cost of services. At Senate hearings this week, DAFF secretary Victoria Anderson said there would be no refunds.
The department says it charged correctly under its policy. It also says higher import volumes explained the extra money.
Revenue reached $466 million in 2025-26, up from $428 million the year before. Spending was $453 million.
Ms Anderson said the fee rules did not allow for refunds.
- $26 million at end of 2025-26
- Accumulated surplus
- $466 million
- 2025-26 revenue
- $428 million
- 2024-25 revenue
- $453 million
- 2025-26 spending
Why it mattersImporters paid fees the government admits it over-collected. They have no way to get the money back.
AustraliaImporters, farmers and exporters face ongoing costs for biosecurity charges the government admits it over-collected over multiple years.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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