Biosecurity flaws result of Government inaction - Shane Ardern - National Biosecurity Spokesperson

The review of New Zealand’s biosecurity surveillance systems confirms what happens when you have a Government that procrastinates, says National’s Biosecurity spokesman, Shane Ardern.

The independent review, commissioned by MAF, criticises the lack of data gathering systems to track and control pests and diseases, and says that biosecurity authorities need to be better co-ordinated.

“There’s little in this review that we didn’t already know. It’s been obvious for some time that there’s a lack of co-ordination between biosecurity authorities, that there should be more spent on protecting our environment and economy, that responses to incursions should be quicker and that we need more efficient and effective border controls.

“There is no point having early detection when it can take this Government months to decide on what action, if any. The Painted Apple Moth and Varroa Bee Mite are clear examples of what happens when a Government dithers instead of responding immediately to a threat.

“Biosecurity should be a top priority for a Government. Reviews have their place, but we need positive action now,” says Mr Ardern.

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