Glenn Lazarus (Queensland, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I have travelled through Cairns and the region and have walked deep into the rainforests, and I have seen firsthand the damage yellow crazy ants are doing to our environment, our wildlife, the lives of people and the value of our properties. These little but mighty dangerous ants run fast, spit acid, travel in huge clumps and destroy everything in their path. They blind large animals, destroy our habitat and cause blindness in people. Unless the pest is eradicated it is going to cause further unbelievable damage to our country. I appreciate that they sound like a small problem but, when you see the damage that these ants cause, you will realise the extent of the problem. This is what happens with many introduced pests. The destruction is not recognised until it is on our doorstep and too late to stop. The ants can and must be eradicated, and a small amount of federal funding from 1 July 2016 will do this.

I would also like to acknowledge the amazing work of Lucy Karger and Frank Teodo in fighting this cause. You are extraordinary Australians.