Minister sidesteps biosecurity responsibilities

Thursday, 24 March 2011, 4:20 pm
Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party

Damien O’Connor

Spokesperson for Biosecurity

24 March 2011 MEDIA STATEMENT
Minister sidesteps biosecurity responsibilities

Biosecurity Minister David Carter has exposed his Government’s lack of commitment to biosecurity by sitting on the sideline while the risk of the Asian Bee increases for New Zealand, says Labour’s Biosecurity spokesperson Damien O’Connor.

“The impacts of the Asian Bee if introduced to New Zealand would be catastrophic, far-reaching and further undermine our bee population that pollinates the biological production for our economy,” Damien O’Connor said.

In answers to written questions the Minister claims there is no increased risk to New Zealand although Australia has just identified the presence of the bee for the first time in that country Damien O’Connor said.

The free follow of trade and visitors across the Tasman should alert Biosecurity New Zealand to the increased risk, especially with the end of the 100 percent screening of passengers and Fastgate that increases the risk of any incursion from Australia.

“The Minister in his written responses indicates there is no increased risk and the only way an economic impact assessment will be done is if beekeepers pay for it themselves. It is time the National Government reversed its laissez faire approach to biosecurity and increased resources, staff and efforts to protect our economy and ecosystems from unwanted foreign pests and diseases.

“It is also time they withdrew their proposal for a government industry agreement and consulted properly with all primary sectors to protect the New Zealand economy from increasing biosecurity risks,” Damien O’Connor said.

ENDS

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Minister sidesteps biosecurity responsibilities

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