April 13, 2017
Member for Maranoa David Littleproud says he is working to find a solution to encourage New Zealand to lift its ban on Australian rockmelons and honeydew melons.
The New Zealand National Plant Protection Organisation advised on Wednesday night that, effective immediately, New Zealand had suspended imports of rockmelons and honeydew melons which had been treated with dimethoate.
Exports from pest-free areas are still permitted.
“I was the first local MP to make urgent contact with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce about the suspension as this decision will hugely impact my electorate,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I understand the suspension is in response to pest detection and I’ve been assured the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is conducting a trace-back of the identified consignments and will investigate possible causes of the pest interceptions.
“An audit of treatment facilities handling these commodities will also be conducted with the audits to commence next week.
“In 2015-16, Australia exported $5 million of melons (excluding watermelon) to New Zealand (and) … more than 90 per cent were exported from Queensland.
(Only a portion of this trade – dimethoate dipped fruit – is impacted by the suspension. Fruit from the fruit fly Pest Free Areas are not impacted.)
“Australia exported $24 million of melon (excluding watermelon) in 2015-16, of which $13 million were exported from Queensland so it’s imperative we get the industry back on track,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I’m working very closely with the Deputy Prime Minister and I’ve been assured his department is in consultation with industry and New Zealand officials to ensure there’s a speedy resolution to the current suspension.”
