The Coalition is demanding Labor stop its attack on Australian farmers, amid growing concerns that Labor could be putting Queensland's crucial pineapple industry at risk.
Leader of The Opposition Angus Taylor said it was deeply concerning to hear from farmers who are worried about Labor's new proposal to import pineapples from all areas of India and Indonesia into Australia.
With the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's draft report now open for public consultation, until 14 September, Mr Taylor said it was important the concerns of local growers were heard.
"Australia should support trade where it is safe and fair, however, new pineapple imports should not be approved until the science has been independently tested, the final conditions are clear and Australian growers are protected from biosecurity harm," Mr Taylor said.
"The Coalition will always back our crucial agriculture industry and ensure their voices are heard - that's why today's meeting with local growers in Hervey Bay is so important."
Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Australia's pineapple industry is overwhelmingly dependent on the domestic market, with only about eight tonnes of fresh or dried pineapple exported in 2024.
"Growers have told me today, they have no meaningful alternative market if additional imports displace Australian fruit or reduce domestic prices," Mr Canavan said.
"Even modest import volumes could have a commercial effect if they arrive during peak Queensland production, particularly when growers are already facing rising input, labour and freight costs."
Member for Hinkler David Batt said all Australian pineapples are grown in Queensland, especially in the electorate of Hinkler.
"The pineapple industry is already experiencing higher labour, fuel, freight, fertiliser, electricity and compliance costs, and even modest import volumes could place further pressure on our growers," Mr Batt said.
"Growers are also asking whether or not imported pineapples would face the same labour, chemical, environmental and compliance costs as Australian growers."
Pineapple Growers Association Australia chair Scott Maxwell said every year, more than 35 million pineapples are grown across Queensland, valued at around $80 million, so protecting the industry is crucial.
"We realise fair trade has to happen, but the issue we have is that they have identified numerous pests they have over there, and we no longer have the chemicals available to us in Australia to deal with those pests," Mr Maxwell.
"They have identified mealy bugs, scale insects and thrips overseas, which an enormous concern. The biggest issue is that we don't have a chemical registered to control them."
Fraser Coast pineapple grower Col Hawken said being a small industry, local growers don't have the money or resources to stop pests.
"If pineapples come into Australia from overseas and we don't have chemicals to combat it, that's it, we will be finished," Mr Hawken said.
"It might be low risk, but to us, any risk, to any commodity, is simply too much risk to have."
