Tony Windsor (New England, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The minister would be aware of the extraordinary contribution that the honey bee makes in terms of the honey industry and pollination services to agriculture generally. The minister would also be aware of the incursion into Australia of the Asian bee, which could become the cane toad of the insect world. Minister, the government is currently intending to withdraw funding for the Asian bee eradication program based on tenuous scientific advice. Could you use your good offices to review, delay or cancel this decision in the interests of not only food security but also biodiversity in Australia?

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