The Hon. Lachlan Hunter, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food (WA), Media Release, 10 September 2025
The Opposition has called for an urgent, nationally coordinated response to the spread of the destructive polyphagous shot-hole borer, following revelations that Western Australia has abandoned efforts to eradicate the pest after more than 5,000 trees were lost in the Perth metropolitan area.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP said the decision by the Cook Labor Government to pivot from eradication to damage control should set off alarm bells for every jurisdiction across Australia.
“This isn’t just a WA problem, it’s a national biosecurity threat that could devastate urban tree canopies, horticultural crops and native ecosystems across the country,” Mr Hunter said.
“We’ve already seen the loss of historic trees in places like Hyde Park and Kings Park. The borer is now entrenched. The question is: will other states and the Commonwealth act before it’s too late?”
The polyphagous shot-hole borer which is a tiny beetle that bores into trees and spreads fungal pathogens, has so far been detected only in Western Australia, however experts are warning it could take hold in eastern states if vigilance and resourcing aren’t ramped up.
“There are more than 500 host species at risk, including avocados, citrus, mangoes, native eucalypts and iconic fig and plane trees,” Mr Hunter said.
“Urban trees are critical natural infrastructure – they cool our suburbs, clean our air and provide habitat. Losing them en masse would be a disaster.”
Mr Hunter said the Federal Labor Government must now step in with leadership, coordination and funding to develop a national response plan for shot-hole borer, backed by proper funding and coordination across all states and territories.
He also called for expanded investment in research and treatment trials, particularly alternatives to the current “cut-and-chip” approach, including promising injection methods and fungal control options being explored by arborists in Perth.
Greater public education and awareness was also vital to help landowners, local governments and businesses identify early signs of infestation and prevent its spread.
Mr Hunter said this must be paired with tighter quarantine measures to restrict the movement of mulch, green waste and firewood from affected areas.
“We cannot afford another slow-motion response to a known threat,” Mr Hunter said.
“Labor sat on its hands when fire ants arrived. We can’t make the same mistake with the shot hole borer.”
He also warned that WA’s current response is falling short, with the Cook Government allocating just over $2 million to manage an outbreak that has already devastated urban green spaces and continues to threaten agricultural assets.
“If the Cook Government has given up on eradication, then it must fund containment properly.
“And if the Federal Minister won’t lead, then it’s clear that neither State nor Federal Labor Government has a real plan to protect our trees, our crops, or our communities.”
