Senator HARRIS (2:42 PM) —My question is to the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The application for the importation of bananas from the Philippines, apples from New Zealand and pork from several countries has been lodged. This application is being reviewed by the IRA team, referred to as the risk analysis panel, as set out in the draft IRA report issued in February 2004. Minister, what scientific process is used to base the decision on for the revised draft IRA?

Senator IAN MACDONALD (Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) —I thank Senator Harris for the question on the banana import risk analysis. He, like me, comes from a part of Queensland where the banana industry is particularly important. I can understand the concern Senator Harris has and, indeed, the concern of banana growers up there. We do have a very scientific process in place. It is a process that is based—and you have asked me the source of the standards we apply—upon two criteria. They are the probability of entry into Australia of a disease of the country involved—in this case, the Philippines—and the consequences to Australia if that disease were established in our country. On those two criteria there is overlaid a risk matrix on which the appropriate level of protection—ALOP, it is referred to—is defined. All of the available scientific evidence is used by the panel to which you referred. The panel also uses experts in the field.

Senator Harris's question allows me to explain a little further what has happened in this case. Stringent mandatory risk measures are recommended for the introduction of Filipino bananas. The report of the panel recommends that the fruit be sourced from plantations in the Philippines that can demonstrate a low prevalence of moko and freckle diseases—below a level acceptable to Australia. That will be based on weekly surveys of export plantations over a minimum period of two years for moko and four weeks for freckle.

All banana fruit for export to Australia will have to be sourced from plants that have been inspected and found to be free from symptoms of moko and freckle disease. All bananas will also be treated with chlorine. Additional packing station measures are recommended to reduce the risk of mealy bugs to an acceptable level—that is, targeted washing of the spaces between the banana fingers and inspection of these spaces by Philippines quality assurance staff. A suite of further measures relating to packing materials and packing and transport procedures is also recommended to reduce the potential risk of any contaminants or what are called `hitchhikers', such as weeds, seeds and frogs. The draft IRA does, in fact, give stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the import risk analysis for bananas and indeed provides for further technical comment on the science of the risk assessment and on the proposed risk management.

Senator Sherry —Are these bananas edible after all this happens?

Senator IAN MACDONALD —Of course they are. Why would you, Senator Sherry, even though you come from Tasmania and do not know much about this—

The PRESIDENT —Minister, ignore the interjections and address your remarks through the chair.

Senator IAN MACDONALD —Thank you, Mr President. Even a Tasmanian, if he were buying fruit in a market, would look for quality Australian produce. He would probably hesitate at a quite legal and healthy imported alternative. I would urge all consumers of bananas to look at these particular areas. I am sure that most Australian consumers will, on any day of the season, pick an Australian banana over any others. That is not to say there is anything wrong with Filipino bananas, and we will let them in under our World Trade Organisation obligations. (Time expired)

Senator HARRIS —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for his answer. I note that in his answer the minister indicated that in some cases there will be weekly inspections of these products. Will that be carried out by the plantation owners themselves or by an independent body? Minister, if the panel is provided with peer reviewed scientific data and the panel recommends contrary to the scientific data, what process will the government then follow to redress that decision or will the government accept it? If the risk analysis panel ruled contrary to the scientific evidence, would it lose its statutory immunity?

Senator IAN MACDONALD (Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) —I am not quite sure about the statutory immunity part of the question. The process, with all of these import risk assessments, is that the draft review is released. It is done over a period of 60 days so that people can have a very close look at it. I know that banana growers have looked at the analysis very carefully. They have had some very good scientific evidence available to them and they have certainly put a case to the panel on why the panel's recommendations are not appropriate. In the end result, someone has to make a decision and the government will have to accept a decision which is based upon science and based upon the expert advice and evidence given to us. I can assure you, Senator Harris, that the government are as concerned as you are about these things. I know that Senator Boswell has an interest. We will do everything that is necessary to make sure that the process is full, appropriate and based on science. (Time expired)