PM Transcripts

BANANA IMPORTS REFUSED A3-V7.7
Joint statement by the Acting Prime Minister and Member for Richmond,
the Rt Fon. J. D. Anthony, M. P. and the Member for Cowper, the licn.
I. L. Robinson, M. P.
" Applications to import bananas into Australia from
Pacific Islands and South East Asia have not been approved because
of. the presence of diseases and pests in those areas", Mr. Anthony
said. The Banana Growers' Federation made representations to
Mr. Anthony expressing concern at the possible introduction of
disease if banana exports were admitted.
Mr. Anthony referred the matter to the Department of
Health for investigation and a report has been submitted to the
Minister. " The Department of Health has refused banana export
applications from Western Samoa and Tonga on the grounds that the
diseases and pests in those areas could endanger the Australian
industry", he said.
Mr. Anthony said a serious fungal. disease of banana lea: ves
known as black leaf streak was widespread in the Pacific and South
East Asian areas. " The presence of exotic fruit flies in the* Pacific Islands
would require fruit to be fumigated before export and I understand that
Western Samoa and Tonga are unable to meet Australian fumigation
. equirements", he said.
" The import applications for bananas from Ecuador have
similarly not received approval, principally because of the
possibility of ioko disease being introduced into Australia",
Mr-Anthony soid.