Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. In a speech to the Asia Society in March, the Prime Minister lauded the exports of biotech company Serana (WA). Given the Department of Agriculture's bungled investigation into this company has lead the company to announce it will now move offshore, will the Prime Minister order an independent inquiry into this chaotic investigation? And will he order the minister to go to Bunbury to fix this mess and to persuade this award-winning regional business to stay in WA?

Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the honourable member for her question. There are investigations into a number of organisations, including Serana. What this pertains to, of course, is the fact that we have to make sure that we keep our nation free of such diseases as foot-and-mouth disease. With the material that is being imported, there is the capacity if there is not traceability, that this could—

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That's disgraceful.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Leader of the Opposition will desist or leave—one or the other.

Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

be the vector that brings foot-and-mouth into this nation. The issue is currently being investigated by the department. It is not just Serana. It has not come from one of the competitors, as has been alleged.

Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is a witch hunt, and you have caused this!

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Perth has asked her question, and will remain silent.

Barnaby Joyce (New England, National Party, Minister for Agriculture) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It has come from an extremely reputable organisation that is Australian based. We have to follow the proper process if we are to keep our nation foot-and-mouth free.

Alannah Mactiernan (Perth, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

That’s what we want. We want a proper process. Will you come to Bunbury?