Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Hansard source

Family First is concerned that fire blight could enter Australia following the government’s decision to overturn an 85-year-old ban on the importation of apples from New Zealand, which have been ravaged by bacterial disease. Notwithstanding the recommendations from this committee, the first apples look likely to come from across the Tasman next year, which is a huge concern.

Quarantine watchdog Biosecurity Australia has admitted that it is possible fire blight could come into Australia. While agriculture minister, Peter McGauran, says that the chances of an outbreak are very low, it could still happen. Family First supports fair competition, but the government really must not allow for there to be a risk of fire blight entering Australia. An outbreak could wipe out a reported $4.5 billion apple and pear industry in Australia.

Family First supports Apple and Pear Australia, which wants a tougher inspection regime, with an extra pre-harvest inspection in New Zealand orchards and a particular focus on orchards with a history of fire blight. Everything possible must be done to protect our farmers. Family First also shares the industry’s lack of confidence in the recent import risk analysis process, due to the limited role of the Eminent Scientists Group in assessing scientific data. And Family First agrees with industry that the appeal panel should include independent people, including scientists.

New Zealand growers have complained about the quarantine measures and New Zealand has threatened to take Australia to the World Trade Organisation. So be it. We should fight it all the way and do all we can to protect our industry and our farmers. Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to continue my remarks.

Leave granted.