�Թ���վ

The
Hodgman Minority Government’s mismanagement of biosecurity in Tasmania is to
blame for the latest outbreak of Blueberry rust in Tasmania.

Shadow
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Water, Shane Broad, said the
Government had failed to learn from its mistakes.

“This
is the fourth major outbreak of Blueberry rust in Tasmania in recent times and
also comes after an extensive parliamentary inquiry into the disease – but what
has the Government learned? Absolutely nothing,” Dr Broad said.

“We
know staff at Biosecurity Tasmania are under pressure and this has been
compounded by the fact the Government has to redirect staff to deal with last
year’s fruit fly outbreak.

“This
Government has an appalling track record of protecting Tasmania’s agricultural
sector from pests and diseases and it is clear its mismanagement of biosecurity
in Tasmania is to blame for this latest outbreak.

“The
Minister must give a guarantee that it will quarantine Biosecurity Tasmania
from its savage $450 million budget cuts as Tasmania’s agricultural sector
can’t afford to manage yet another major threat.

“Tasmanians
deserve to have confidence that a rigorous system in place to protect their
business and their environment.

“I urge Tasmanians to be vigilant and check their blueberry plants for the disease and report anything suspicious to Biosecurity Tasmania.”

Shane Broad MP

Shadow Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Water