The Hon. Lachlan Hunter, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food (WA), Media Release, 12 November 2025

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Lachlan Hunter MP, says the Cook Labor Government has shown extraordinary negligence on biosecurity, sitting on an independent review of the State’s laws for nearly two years before quietly tabling a watered-down response in Parliament with zero public announcement.

Mr Hunter said the independent panel handed the Government a comprehensive blueprint back in December 2023 – urging modern legislation, a general biosecurity obligation, proper governance, transparent regional funding and a ten-year strategy to shore up WA’s defences.

“Labor did nothing for 22 months,” Mr Hunter said. “Instead of acting, they’ve produced a feeble response that either notes, rejects or kicks down the road most of the major reforms the experts said are urgently needed.”

“Out of 33 recommendations, Labor only fully backs eight. The rest are watered down to ‘in principle’ or simply brushed aside. The crucial fixes to the Declared Pest Rate and regional funding were not adopted, and even a basic Biosecurity Planning Committee only gets a weak ‘maybe’. That is not leadership – it’s deliberate delay.”

Mr Hunter said WA is already paying the price for Labor’s inaction.

“Polyphagous shot-hole borer has forced WA to abandon eradication and move to long-term containment. Taxpayers will shell out at least $26.5 million next year just to slow the spread. If ever there was proof that WA needs modern laws, clear authority and proper funding, it’s PSHB.”

“Labor’s pattern is clear: delay, dither and hide the paperwork. They sat on the review for nearly two years, then slipped out their limp response in Parliament on 23 October with no ministerial media release and no explanation to the public. Farmers, councils and regional communities deserve transparency and action, not political cover-ups.”

Mr Hunter said the Government’s refusal to act decisively is a direct threat to WA agriculture.

“WA’s biosecurity is our first line of defence for farmers, the environment and regional towns,” Mr Hunter said. “Labor had the plan, they had the warnings, and they had the time – but they stalled. They still refuse to act on the big fixes.”

“The Opposition will not let WA sleepwalk into the next biosecurity disaster. If Labor won’t lead, we will.”