The Government has moved to quell horse owners' fears about a levy to fund its disease response activities, saying the Bill passed by the House of Representatives does not impose a levy, but only provides a mechanism for a levy to be imposed if needed in the future.
The Rudd Government yesterday succeeded in passing the controversial Bill through the House of Representatives after three days of debate.
A spokesperson for Mr Burke said the Bill was aimed at providing a mechanism for imposing a levy on horse owners to help cover the cost of responding to future disease outbreaks.
She said the levy set by the Bill was "zero" and would only be raised if needed in future.
And the levy rate would be set only after consultation with horse industry stakeholders, she said.
However, Coalition MPs yesterday opposed the Bill, arguing it unfairly placed the majority of the burden on the amateur sports and pleasure horse industry, over the highly commercial thoroughbred and racing industries.
The Bill next faces the Senate where Labor will have to negotiate with the minor parties to ensure its passage into law.
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