Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend part (a)(ii) of motion 816.

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senator Xenophon, move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a)

notes that:

(i)

the World Trade Organization (WTO) has issued a report to the Australian and New Zealand Governments regarding Australia’s 90-year-long ban on importing apples from New Zealand, and

(ii)

if the recommendations contained within the report are unfavourable this could expose Australia’s apple and pear industry to greater risk from disease and pests foreign to Australia’s shores;

(b)

recognises that:

(i)

the Australian apple and pear industry generates an annual turnover of approximately $500 million and any increase in major quarantine incursions could devastate both the industry’s biosecurity and future financial viability, and

(ii)

it is of paramount importance that Australia protects its biosecurity and maintains a disease free apple and pear producing industry; and

(c)

calls on the Federal Government to:

(i)

publish the report as soon as possible to allow thorough consultation and review,

(ii)

vigorously defend the integrity of Australia’s science-based quarantine regime, and

(iii)

appeal any errors of law in the WTO interim report to the relevant appellate body.

I would also like to associate Senators Milne and Fielding with the motion.

Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order, Mr Deputy President, it would be helpful if Senator Colbeck could indicate if Senator Xenophon, who is not here, is happy with that amendment.

Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—Senator Xenophon and I have discussed this matter and we have agreed on it, as I think it has been agreed with the government.

Question agreed to.