Industry responds to government’s red fire ant report

Industry and advocacy bodies have voiced their disappointment in the federal government’s response to a noted invasive pest, calling for more ongoing funding.

The federal government has failed to take the spread of a noted invasive species seriously, according to industry and advocacy bodies, who have called for a commitment of more funding to eradicate the pest.

The federal government this week responded to 10 recommendations made by a Senate inquiry into the response to red fire ant in Australia, but did not make a clear commitment to uninterrupted funding required for eradication.

The recommendations included a rapid review of funding, greater eradication program transparency and a public awareness campaign, establishing an alternative independent agency or commission for eradication program delivery, along with more resources for public self-treatment of fire ants in infestation zones.

Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta said ongoing government funding beyond 2027 was needed in order to “fully eradicate” red fire ant.

“We also want to see a rapid, quick review to be completed by early next year ahead of the election, to confirm if there is enough funding, especially when you consider the spread into NSW and the Murray Darling Basin,” Mr Pianta said.

“We’re calling on the federal government to conduct this review, and if necessary go back to the states and territories to ensure it’s adequately funded.”

The invasive imported red fire ant has been detected in Northern NSW for the first time.

Mr Pianta said the toll on Australian agriculture, ecology, and the health system could surpass $2 billion in economic costs if the pest is not eradicated.

“And that cost will be borne by farmers, landowners, and the health system,” Mr Pianta said.

“Fire ant attacks if they spread across Australia could affect echidna, platypus, and the sage frog … they get out of control and we’ll potentially lose some Australian species to fire ant infestations.”

Total national investment in the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement since 2001 was more than $1.2 billion, with the federal government having supplied 50 per cent of the total $640 million investment.

National Farmers Federation sustainable development and climate change committee chair Angus Atkinson said the government was “underestimating the pest”, and said red fire ants pose a “mammoth risk not only to farming, but to humans, animals, plants and the quintessential Aussie backyard barbecue”.

“This isn’t just a farmer problem. This is an everyone problem,” Mr Atkinson said.