Anyone flying into Australia will know the tightness of the biosecurity measures taken to reduce or ideally eliminate the risk of introducing foreign pests or diseases to our environment, with their infinite potential to damage human and animal health, and industry, particularly our agricultural industry.

Of current outbreaks of pests and diseases in Australia, Varroa mite was detected in Newcastle in June 2022, Red Imported Fire Ants were detected in Queensland in February 2001, Polyphagos shot-hole borer was detected in East Fremantle in August 2021 and White Spot Syndrome Virus was detected in prawn farms near the Clarence River in February 2023, to name but a few of the risks that have crystallised for Australians and our primary producers. Mercifully, as at the time of writing, the dreadful Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), while present in countries close by, have not been detected in Australia.

Whether the risks posed by imports from Australia’s trading partners are being sufficiently assessed and addressed, whether we really need to or should import certain products at all, and whether Australia is becoming complacent, resigned, or courting disaster for political Brownie points – such questions are being asked more often.

This last week, Australia’s biosecurity around beef and banana imports was called into question by David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister. Australian Rural & Regional News sought a response from Julie Collins, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and was given a general response from a departmental spokesperson together with some background information.

The statements and information are set out here for your consideration.

The Hon. David Littleproud, Leader of the Nationals, Shadow Agriculture Minister, Media Release, 10 October 2025

Scientific Advisory Group needed in beef and banana imports

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is reiterating calls for an independent inquiry, amid growing concerns into Labor’s decision to allow both beef and banana imports into Australia. Mr Littleproud said Australia urgently needs to know if Labor is sacrificing our high biosecurity standards for political purposes and why a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) hasn’t been brought in for beef and bananas, despite recommendations to do so.

“Our beef and banana industries are simply too important to be put at risk,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Labor isn’t being transparent and is treating the industry with contempt.”

It comes after the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, Dr Lloyd Klumpp, was questioned on imports in Senate Estimates. When asked if a SAG should have been looking at the US importation issue, Dr Klumpp replied, “yes, I think the use of a SAG should be considered for every import risk analysis”.

The Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Justine Saunders told Estimates if the science was challenged, the Department would have established the SAG, while the Department’s Assistant Secretary Dr Peter Finnin said there is merit going down the BIRA (Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis) process for bananas, due to the involvement of a SAG.

But despite Cattle Australia raising concerns on 29 July with the Secretary of the Department, more than two months later, it still hasn’t received a formal response.

The Australian Banana Growers’ Council has also raised concerns about the assessment process of potential banana imports from the Philippines.

“After being asked why Australian banana growers will not be part of the cohort in the Department’s planned trip to the Philippines towards the end of the year, the Department has at least pledged to revisit the decision. However, Labor is ignoring the advice of the Inspector-General of Biosecurity. We need a full Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis under the Biosecurity Act, which the Minister can direct the Department to undertake.”

Australian Rural & Regional News asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Foresty, the Hon. Julie Collins MP, for a response to David Littleproud’s media release and also to the following questions:

• Is the Government’s position of not wanting to involve Scientific Advisory Groups based on a strategy of trying to win friends globally, even if this means allowing imports of previously banned imports and irrespective of the implications for our biosecurity?
• What does the Secretary of the Department mean by ‘if the science were challenged’, whose science?
• Surely the appointment of a SAG to review the proposed importation of bananas and beef would be the most appropriate way in which to ensure the maintenance of Australia’s strict biosecurity regime?
• Have any officials from the Department visited either the Philippines or the USA to inspect their biosecurity procedures?

ARR.News received a response attributable to a department spokesperson and also information given as background:

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) spokesperson: “The Australian Government will never compromise on Australia’s world-leading biosecurity system and has invested an additional $2 billion to strengthen it since 2022.

“Import assessments undergo a rigorous, science and risk–based evaluation by independent biosecurity experts within the Department – and do not mean that trade will occur, or that it is imminent.

“Any approved imports are subject to robust control measures to meet Australia’s strict biosecurity system.” 

Background provided by the DAFF:

• “The assessments of alternative measures for the importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines will include public consultation and consider comments received. 
• The assessment is in response to a formal request by the Philippines for Australia to consider alternative measures to those recommended in the 2008 Philippine bananas import risk analysis, for Moko, black Sigatoka and banana freckle.  
• Further information on the assessment process, including on technical visits is available at: Bananas from the Philippines – DAFF 
• In July this year, the Department completed a 10-year, rigorous science and risk-based import assessment and evaluation to ensure Australia’s biosecurity requirements were met for the importation of fresh and chilled US beef.   
• This process included a technical visit and industry consultation, with further information available at: Fresh (chilled or frozen) beef and beef products for human consumption – DAFF 
• Since that time, importers have been able to apply for permits to import beef from the US, with any beef imports from the US subject to robust control measures to meet Australia’s strict biosecurity system. 
• As a member of the World Trade Organization, Australia is obliged to consider formal requests for imports from our trading partners – just as our trading partners respond to Australia’s market access requests.”