Hartsuyker’s Private Members Motion condemns Rudd Government over the Philippine banana imports

September 8, 2009

Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker has condemned the Rudd Government for allowing Philippine bananas to be imported during debate in the Federal Parliament.

 

Mr Hartsuyker attacked the Government after moving a Private Members Motion in the House of Representatives.

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the importation of Filipino bananas could wipe out our local industry.

 

“There are many reasons that we should not permit bananas to be imported from the Philippines. There is the risk of disease, there is the threat to our food security and there is the impact on banana-growing communities if such an industry was shut down.

 

“However, the overwhelming issue here relates to the science and risk management measures which have been applied in Biosecurity Australia’s import risk assessment of Filipino bananas.

 

“Of primary concern is BA’s visual inspection process which they say will be put in place to mitigate the threat of disease.

“We have no idea who is going to conduct these inspections. We have no idea how thoroughly it will be conducted. We have no idea as to whether those being charged with the responsibility of protecting Australia’s interests may be subject to a conflict of interest.

 

“Will Australian quarantine officers be inspecting the bananas on the ground or will they be hiring Filipino contractors to perform this role? What processes are in place to guarantee the integrity of these inspections? How comprehensive will these inspections be? How comprehensive will the sampling process be?”

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the Government could not hide behind the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

“We all remember the EI outbreak, which almost brought the equestrian industry to its knees. That was caused by an AQIS mistake. That was something we were able to recover from, but with the banana industry there are no second chances.

“For the benefit of members, let me put on the record for the House that once a foreign disease enters into this country there will be little or no chance of eradicating it. From that point of view and that point of view alone, the risk of importing Filipino bananas is just too great.”

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