Important News Bulletin

Fire Ant Senate Inquiry Update

Posted on by David Priddy
RRAT Senate Inquiry Fire Ants Australia_DavidPriddy CEO at Parliament House March 2024
07
Apr

Published 7 April 2024.

The recent Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee Senate hearings in March 2024 on Fire Ants are proof that awareness and concern is growing amongst the public and government about this destructive invasive species.
 
Sundew CEO, David Priddy was the only representative from the professional pest management industry to attend all three Senate Inquiry Hearings held in Brisbane, Newcastle and Parliament House Canberra last month. 

He was given the opportunity to present evidence, meet with Senators and key personnel on the ground, all of whom would like to see the eradication of Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia.

The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee has released its findings and recommendations.  You can find a link to the final report below in the Links provided.

The committee’s recommendations focus on enhancing the effectiveness of Australia’s response to the red imported fire ant threat. Key suggestions include a thorough review of current funding levels for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, with commitments from both federal and state governments to ensure continuous and sufficient funding. Additionally, the committee urges improved transparency and accountability within the program, advocating for the publication of detailed plans and reports, stakeholder involvement, and increased governance independence. It also recommends an independent review of the 2021 Independent Strategic Review’s actions and exploring alternative models for more efficient program delivery.
 
Further recommendations emphasize the importance of research, development, and innovation, advocating for investment in new technologies and control methods. The committee suggests establishing a Cooperative Research Centre to harness diverse expertise on fire ant management. The Queensland Government is specifically urged to increase funding and activities of the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce, particularly in underserved areas. Lastly, the committee highlights the need for public engagement and awareness, recommending assessments of current understanding, national campaigns, increased compliance checks at borders, and applying lessons from other biosecurity responses to improve strategies against the fire ant threat.
 

IMPORTANT LINKS

  • Submissions sent to the Senate Inquiry CLICK HERE.
  • Additional Documents submitted Senate Inquiry CLICK HERE.
  • Answers to Questions on Notice CLICK HERE.
  • Transcripts from the Public Hearings in Brisbane, Newcastle and Parliament House, CLICK HERE.
  • Live recording of Brisbane Senate Inquiry evidence, CLICK HERE.
  • Live recording of Newcastle Senate Inquiry evidence, CLICK HERE.
  • Watch live recording of Parliament House Canberra Senate Inquiry evidence, CLICK HERE.
  • Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia Final Report, DOWNLOAD HERE.

The recent RRAT Senate hearings on Fire Ants are proof that awareness and concern is growing amongst the public and government about this destructive invasive species.

David Priddy

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