Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee [Part 2]

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee [Part 2], 27 Oct 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Workplace Safety and Grain Export Limits, Biosecurity Risk Assessments for Pineapple Imports, Feral Animal Control and Economic Impacts,…

Chapters

  1. Workplace Safety and Grain Export Limits (1:01:00)

    The committee discusses workplace safety concerns regarding phosphine exposure limits and their impact on grain exports. Officials clarify the status of state-level implementation delays and ministerial correspondence on the matter.

  2. Biosecurity Risk Assessments for Pineapple Imports (1:05:01)

    Officials provide updates on the draft risk assessment for importing decrowned pineapples from India and Indonesia. The discussion covers pest management, stakeholder feedback, and the legal constraints of biosecurity risk assessments.

  3. Feral Animal Control and Economic Impacts (1:18:35)

    The committee examines the management of feral pigs, deer, and wild dogs, focusing on their economic impact on agriculture. Discussion highlights the need for federal-state coordination and the role of national coordinators in pest management.

  4. Vietnam Pomelo Imports and Audit Failures (1:26:56)

    The suspension of pomelo trade with Vietnam is discussed following the detection of pests in a high percentage of consignments. Officials explain the audit process and the reliance on systems-based approaches for international trade biosecurity.

  5. Varroa Mite Response and Bee Surveillance (1:37:14)

    The transition of the Varroa mite response to management and the status of national bee pest surveillance programs are reviewed. Senators question the lack of movement controls and the funding for ongoing research into bee health.

  6. Honey Imports and Bee Virus Research (1:46:34)

    The committee explores the biosecurity risks of deformed wing virus transmission through imported honey and bee semen. Officials discuss the integration of new scientific research into import risk assessments and pollination data.

  7. Yellow Crazy Ants and Biosecurity Funding (1:57:50)

    Eradication efforts for yellow crazy ants in Queensland are discussed alongside broader biosecurity funding models. The session covers cost recovery, self-assessment charges, and competitive neutrality concerns regarding Australia Post.

  8. Inspector-General of Live Animal Export Oversight (2:17:50)

    The Inspector-General of Live Animal Export provides an update on office staffing, independence, and the implementation of departmental recommendations. Senators inquire about the use of body cameras for inspections and the oversight of regulatory frameworks.

  9. APVMA Salmon Farming and Chemical Permits (2:33:14)

    The APVMA addresses the cancellation of chemical permits in salmon farming due to environmental risks to wild fisheries. Discussion focuses on the detection of residues in rock lobster and the review of new permit applications.

  10. Paraquat Review and Parkinson's Disease Links (2:43:12)

    The APVMA defends its methodology for weighting scientific evidence regarding the link between Paraquat and Parkinson's disease. Senators challenge the exclusion of certain systematic reviews and the influence of industry-sponsored research.

  11. PFAS Definitions and Pesticide Residue Concerns (3:26:01)

    The committee questions the APVMA on its inconsistent use of PFAS definitions and the assessment of pesticide residues in food. Concerns are raised about cumulative exposure and the potential for industry capture within the regulatory agency.

  12. APVMA Performance and Cost Recovery Models (3:49:08)

    Officials discuss the APVMA's failure to meet statutory timeframes for major pesticide applications and the transition to a full cost-recovery model. The impact of the multiple formulations rectification program on agency resources is also examined.

  13. Illegal Fishing and Gillnet Ban Impacts (4:00:36)

    AFMA provides statistics on illegal fishing vessel interceptions and the resulting prosecutions. The discussion shifts to the federal intervention to ban gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef and its implications for domestic food security.

  14. Fisheries Research and Agricultural Industry Updates (4:20:16)

    The hearing concludes with updates from the FRDC, Dairy Australia, and the GRDC. Topics include offshore wind zone mapping, dairy industry productivity, and the management of financial reserves for grains research.