Senate debates

Wednesday, 18 October 2023

Committees

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee; Reference

4:08 pm

Photo of Wendy AskewWendy Askew (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Canavan, I seek leave to amend Senate notice of motion No.1.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 18 April 2024:

(a) the expected costs and impacts, if red imported fire ants are able to spread across Australia, on human health, social amenity, agriculture, the environment, infrastructure and regional workers;

(b) an assessment of the current and any proposed fire ant response plans for achieving the eradication of red imported fire ants;

(c) an evaluation of funding provided for the current or any proposed fire ant response plans;

(d) the effectiveness of eradication efforts and the spread of fire ants;

(e) learnings of Varroa mite in managing red imported fire ants; and

(f) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.