List of recommendations
Recommendation 1
2.75The committee recommends that the Australian Government in consultation with state and territory governments, work to review the current level of funding for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and whether this is efficient to eradicate red imported fire ants by 2032, and if not sufficient, investigate the appropriate level of funding required for eradication.
2.76The committee further recommends that:
The Australian Government, and all state and territory governments commit to providing uninterrupted funding required to achieve eradication.
The Australian Government, and all state and territory governments ensure funds are provided as a whole-of-government response to reflect the seriousness of red imported fire ants on all aspects of Australian life, including health, tourism, agriculture, and environmental.
Recommendation 2
2.77The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to explore options to improve transparency and accountability mechanisms across both the strategic and operational aspects of the red imported fire ant response. In doing so, the committee recommends this includes:
Publication of the full 2023–2027 Response Plan, including funding allocations and priorities.
Timely publication of any outstanding and future key reviews, reports, minutes, and data.
Formal stakeholder and industry involvement within the National Management Group.
Increased independence within the governance arrangements, including the reinstatement of an independent chair for the National Management Group.
Recommendation 3
2.78The committee recommends that the Australian Government undertake an independent, rapid review of the actions and recommendations from the 2021Independent Strategic Review and what has been completed or is in process to be completed. The committee further recommends that the review should report back to the Commonwealth Minister for Agriculture within three months and that a report of this review should be tabled in both Houses of the Australian Parliament within 14 days of the provision of this report to the Minister.
2.79As part of this review, the committee recommends that the Australian Government, as the primary funder of the red imported fire ant response, investigate alternate models for delivery to reduce bureaucratic process, improve independence and transparency, improve public engagement and improve the delivery of the eradication program. The committee recommends that all models are investigated, including a statutory independent agency and a nationally led commission.
Recommendation 4
3.84The committee recommends that the Australian Government and all state and territory governments should commit to further investment in research, development, and innovation to improve understanding of red imported fire ants in the Australian context and improve efficiencies through implementation of new technologies and techniques.
3.85As part of this, the committee recommends: the National Fire Ant Eradication Program commit to quickly progress the development of innovative and new control and eradication methods and techniques, including environmental DNA (eDNA) markers, biological controls, and RNA‑interference (RNAi) technology.
Recommendation 5
3.86The committee recommends that the Australian Government establish and fund a Cooperative Research Centre encompassing independent researchers and academics, private business, industry representatives and governments to bring together the necessary diverse expertise for understanding red imported fire ants in Australia.
Recommendation 6
3.87The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with the Queensland Government to urgently review the funding and outcomes of the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST), with a particular focus on increasing FAST activities in areas not receiving any eradication or suppression activity. The committee recommends Australian Government work closely with the Queensland Government to commit to additional funding for the FAST to support self‑treatment by residents, local governments, and landholders and ultimately, support the delivery of the 2023–2027 Response Plan and the 2022–2026 FAST Plan.
Recommendation 7
4.65The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in conjunction with the Queensland Government, collaborate with affected councils within the biosecurity zones and neighbouring areas to ensure community members, residents, landholders and businesses are engaged and understand their General Biosecurity Obligation. This should incorporate community notices having a particular focus on identification, reporting and movement controls.
Recommendation 8
4.66The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in conjunction with state and territory governments:
Undertake an assessment of current public understanding and awareness of red imported fire ants, and their obligations.
Allocate additional funding and resources to undertake a national awareness campaign and achieve greater understanding. The campaign should focus on advertising, education, and engagement on a national approach, with higher resources apportioned according to the level of outbreak and risk.
Recommendation 9
4.67The committee recommends that the Australian Government, in conjunction with the Queensland and New South Wales Governments, work to increase compliance with movement controls, including increasing biosecurity spot checks at border crossings. As part of this, all governments should commit to releasing regular reports on identified breaches, including responsible industries and penalty outcomes.
Recommendation 10
4.68The committee recommends that the Australian Government conduct a review process of the Varroa mite incursion and response, in partnership with the New South Wales and Queensland state governments to identify and study tension points that also exist in the red imported fire ant response, with a view to actively adopt learnings and adjust the response plan accordingly.