Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Lambie, the short answer is no. I certainly haven't been put under any pressure whatsoever from anyone to do anything other than attempt to eradicate varroa mite. That's certainly the focus that we have.

I am concerned that the varroa mite has continued to spread. Fortunately, it hasn't spread at this point in time beyond the New South Wales borders, but we need to keep it that way and we need to help New South Wales to eradicate it from within its borders as well. But, no—absolutely not have I been placed any pressure. The only discussions I've had with the honeybee industry in general have been very positive and directed towards how we can work together to eradicate varroa mite, and how we can compensate those beekeepers who have suffered losses as a result of the eradication of their hives.

But, again, Senator Lambie, I'm very committed to doing what we can to work with the New South Wales government to eradicate varroa mite and I'm happy to provide you any further briefing. (Time expired)