ralian ginger industry has been taken back by information taxpayer money was used to assist with a Fijian ginger import proposal. The information came to light within the recently released Senate committee report on the potential importation of ginger from Fiji.The Australian Ginger Industry Association (AGIA) said it was astounded to learn of the funding, particularly in light of the Department of Agriculture’s refusal to commission research that would categorically determine the risk posed by the burrowing nematode (Fijian Radopholus similis variant) to the Australian industry.
During the Senate inquiry, the department confirmed Australian taxpayers had funded an AusAID Import Risk Analysis (IRA) officer to work on the Fijian ginger proposal (among others).
A Committee comment within the report stated it was “unclear to the committee why importing fresh ginger from Fiji was the main activity for Commonwealth-funded AusAID officer”. The Import Market Access Advisory Group (IMAAG) also allocated priority A status to the IRA for fresh ginger from Fiji.
Another Committee comment described the situation as “troubling”, given that Department of Agriculture Biosecurity steadfastly refused to commission research that would clarify the level of risk posed by the Fijian burrowing nematode.
“It would appear that the government has been providing funding to assist importers, while denying the Australian ginger industry appropriate access to the resources needed to properly determine the risks arising from importing fresh ginger from Fiji,” the report said.
The report recommended the Department of Agriculture review its assessment of the likelihood of entry, establishment and spread of the Fijian burrowing nematode if importation of fresh ginger from Fiji was allowed.
It called for a similar review of its assessment of the likelihood of entry, establishment and spread of yam scale.
The grower members of the AGIA agreed entirely with the Senate report’s recommendations. Anthony Rehbein, president, AGIA said the group had argued from the outset that the extent and quality of the scientific information used by the DA to underpin the draft IRA and measure risk was woefully inadequate.
“How can the department be seen to be assisting overseas producers enter the Australian market and in the same breath, refuse to assist the Australian industry to undertake the necessary research as outlined above?” Mr Rehbein said.
Mr Rehbein said the department’s response that it will “respond in due course” smacked of a “business as usual” attitude. He said the industry expects an audience with the Minister.
