Fight over Philippine bananas in Parliament

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

The fight to ban Philippine banana imports into Australia is now in the Federal Parliament.

Last week, Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker attacked the Rudd Government after moving a Private Members Motion in the House of Representatives.

Mr Hartsuyker’s statements, also posted in the official website of the Nationals Party, have raised questions on the capability of Biosecurity Australia in securing the country’s quarantine processes over Philippine banana imports.

“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, ” Mr Hatsuyker said.

“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?”

The decision to allow Philippine banana imports into Australia was handed down by Biosecurity Australia last March after more than 10 years of battle.

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