Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government is committed to maintaining and expanding our world-class biosecurity systems that protect and underpin our $2.4 billion agriculture and seafood sector, $3.09 billion a year agricultural exports and $3.03 billion tourism industry.
Since 2014, this government has consistently delivered additional funding for biosecurity, doubling the number of detector dog teams protecting our airports, ports and mail centres, passing the Biosecurity Act 2019, investing in new border signage, laboratories and vital equipment and recently employing 20 new Biosecurity Tasmania positions.
More resources means more inspections more often, and the detection this week of Queensland fruit flylarvae in an imported mango at a quarantine facility before it was distributed for sale is evidence our plan is working.
The detection was made as part our increased regime of inspections of imported produce by Biosecurity Tasmania staff.
This is an example of our biosecurity system working and maintaining Tasmania's fruit fly free status which is vital for our fruit growers and international markets.
Following the detection, despite being considered low risk, as a precautionary measure, other fruit that came through at the same time was either destroyed or re-exported back to Victoria. A small quantity of fruit was recalled from retailers.
It is also a timely reminder that good biosecurity is a shared responsibility relying on the community, industry and Government working together.
While our world-class biosecurity system successfully detected this risk and appropriate action was taken, it also highlights the importance of consumers remaining vigilant.
Everyone must be watchful for signs of fruit fly and report anything suspicious.
