Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, upon notice, on 10 August 2012:

(1) What is the status of monies owed to the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) by a company in administration after the company has been sold by the administrator.

(2) Does AQIS declare any monies it is owed by a company in administration to the administrator.

(3) Is the Minister aware of accusations that AQIS did not declare such debts in the case of two abattoirs in Western Australia; one located in Gingin and one in Narrogin.

(4) Is it correct that the abattoir in Narrogin is being asked to pay $150 000 to AQIS for costs incurred under previous owners; if not, how much is AQIS demanding the Narrogin abattoir pay.

(5) Is it correct that the abattoir in Gingin is being asked to pay $120 000 to AQIS for costs incurred under previous owners; if not, how much is AQIS demanding the Gingin abattoir pay.

(6) Does the Minister support the approach of AQIS in relation to the collection of monies owed by a company in administration from the new owner after that company has been sold.

(7) Has the Minister considered waiving the debt, given the circumstances and the significant pressure the cattle industry in Western Australia is under following the ban of live exports to Indonesia in 2011.

(8) Will the Minister instruct AQIS to formally declare itself as a creditor where a company owing money to AQIS is placed into administration.