The Australian Greens broadly welcome the outcome of this inquiry, and in particular the attention and seriousness given to varroa mite and its implications for the bee-keeping industry in Australia.
The Australian Greens acknowledge the work of the secretariat in undertaking this inquiry, the professional presentation of the report, and their hard work in coordinating public hearings, submissions, and other actions of the inquiry.
We acknowledge the contributors to the inquiry, thanking them for their input and candour.
The inquiry conclusions and recommendations
The Australian Greens accept the recommendations made by the committee, and note that, in terms of specific reference, varroa mite is the most heavily featured of the specific biosecurity concerns.
Many submissions from the beekeeping industry made specific reference to a container levy. We feel that it is a fair point to make that responsibility for managing a problem that is sourced externally should not lie solely with the industry at the receiving end of that problem.
Commitments to long-term funding and sustainability are welcome, but we feel there should be reference to the government incorporating a specific response to the question of a container levy.
The Australian Greens note that the Australian Government recently undertook public consultation on a discussion paper relating to 'Sustainable funding and investment to strengthen biosecurity', and that this paper referred to a container levy. However, we feel that there was a lack of detailed context for public submissions and that this issue requires more focus and attention.
Recommendation
The Australian Greens recommends the Australian Government provide specific commentary on the feasibility of a container levy and outline whether it intends to consider introducing one in this term of government.
Many contributions noted issues with state-based policies and implementation of biosecurity measures. Recognising that these are largely beyond the remit of the Australian Government to act on, we nonetheless encourage increased partnership with state and territory governments on biosecurity matters.
Recommendation
The Australian Greens recommend that the Australian Government include discussion of state- and territory-based biosecurity issues arising from this inquiry in future Agriculture Minister Meetings.
Ensuring consistency of training and support across states and territories is critical to developing responses to invasive species and diseases, particularly where cross-border contamination may occur.
Recommendation
In relation to inquiry Recommendation 22, The Australian Greens recommend that the Australian Government include specific reference to improvements in training, including the feasibility of formalising and expanding the Biosecurity Emergency Response Training Australia initiative.
While there has been emphasis on plant and animal health biosecurity arrangements, it is noted that environmental biosecurity has lagged behind. As noted by the Invasive Species Council submission:
A significant gap in Australia’s biosecurity system is that of environmental biosecurity. Australia has made progress to address the identified gap, but environmental biosecurity preparedness still considerably lags that for primary industries. The essential mechanisms have been in place for plant and health industries for at least 10–20 years longer than for the environmental sector and the industry sectors continue to be far better resourced.
We welcome inquiry recommendations 20 and 21 that call for increased biosecurity funding, and make specific reference to environment biosecurity funding.
Recommendation
The Australian Greens recommend that the Australian Government provide an update on the progress of implementation of the National Invasive Ants Biosecurity Plan 2018–2028.
Recommendation
The Australian Greens recommend that the Australian Government publish an update on the implementation of recommendations from the 2017 review of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB review) and the reports of the Inspector-General of Biosecurity.
Recommendation
The Australian Greens recommend that the Australian Government establishes a Productivity Commission inquiry into the economic and environmental benefits of long-term control of feral animals.
Senator Peter Whish-Wilson
Greens Senator for Tasmania