10. Hon DAMIEN O’CONNOR (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Biosecurity
Has he received any reports on the increasing risk to the biosecurity of New Zealand?
Hon DAVID CARTERHon Damien O’Connor Link to this
What is his response to the 2006 AgResearch report that identified that 77 percent of shoes inspected at the border contained fungi, bacteria, and plant material, and how will he ensure proper biosecurity protection for New Zealand after the Prime Minister has just announced that the vast majority of travellers from Australia will not be inspected at all, just to save an estimated 8 minutes in processing time when those travellers enter New Zealand?
The Prime Minister has not announced that the vast majority of people will not be screened at the border. This change is about delivering the most effective biosecurity that we can at the border, and it would be irresponsible not to actively examine the system we have to see whether we can do it better.
Shane ArdernJust last week the Government moved to double the instant biosecurity infringement fine. This toughening up on those who put our country at risk, combined with Biosecurity New Zealand’s more targeted approach of focusing on travellers who pose the greatest risk, will significantly strengthen and enhance our biosecurity system.
Hon Damien O’Connor Link to this
How can the Minister protect New Zealand from unwanted pests and diseases, when the report from his ministry investigated and identified 106 living species in storage containers of palm kernel destined for New Zealand farms; and considering his view that “there is no evidence to suggest that the current requirements have failed”, in what circumstances will he start showing some concern, and will he review the importation of palm kernel into this country?