PASIN DEMANDS BIOSECURITY TRANSPARENCY AS RIVERLAND CITRUS GROWERS RAISE ALARM OVER POMELO IMPORTS

PASIN DEMANDS BIOSECURITY TRANSPARENCY AS RIVERLAND CITRUS GROWERS RAISE ALARM OVER POMELO IMPORTS

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP says Riverland citrus growers deserve urgent answers from the Albanese Labor Government following its decision to allow pomelo imports from Vietnam without the highest level of biosecurity assessment.

Mr Pasin said the Labor Government’s approach is causing deep concern across the Riverland - one of Australia’s most significant citrus-producing regions - where growers rely on strong, transparent and science-based biosecurity protections.

“Citrus is the backbone of the Riverland economy. Thousands of local jobs and hundreds of family businesses rely on a strong, disease-free industry,” Mr Pasin said.
“Labor’s decision to wave through pomelo imports without a full, independent scientific assessment is a direct threat to growers in my electorate.”

Mr Pasin said the risk of introducing Citrus Canker and Huanglongbing – commonly known as Citrus Greening - two of the most destructive citrus diseases globally, cannot be taken lightly. The region had firsthand experience with biosecurity incursions in the past and understands the cost - both financial and emotional - when systems fail.

“Once a disease like Citrus Canker enters Australia, the damage is catastrophic,” Mr Pasin said.
“Eradication programs cost growers dearly, and the disruption to export markets can be devastating. The Riverland simply cannot afford for Labor to get this wrong.”

“Even worse is the potential consequences of Citrus Greening, a highly destructive bacterial disease of citrus trees that has no cure and leads to tree death.”

Mr Pasin criticised the Government for failing to convene a Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), despite previous recommendations calling for independent scientific oversight of high-risk import assessments.

“The Inspector-General of Biosecurity has made it clear that higher-risk assessments must be done properly. That means using independent scientific experts - not rushing decisions through Canberra.”

Mr Mark Doecke, Chair of Citrus SA supports the call for a comprehensive biosecurity import risk analysis to be undertaken.  He confirmed Vietnam is affected by Citrus Greening disease, also known as Huanglongbing (HLB), which has caused significant damage to citrus crops in that country.
“The disease is primarily spread by the Asian citrus psyllid and has led to declines in citrus production and quality. It has already decimated the industry in Florida and large parts of Brazil,” Mr Doecke said.

“The decision to allow the importation of pomelos from Vietnam without adequate risk assessments exposes the citrus industry to significant damage, including here in the Riverland. We don’t want Citrus Canker or Citrus Greening disease for the sake of a few tons of Pomelos” Mr Doecke said.

Mr Pasin said he would continue to stand with Riverland growers and demand that biosecurity decisions are based on rigorous science, not political convenience.

“Our growers uphold some of the highest standards in the world,” Mr Pasin said. “They deserve a Government that will do the same.”