Published Thursday, 19 July, 2007 at 05:47 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
DISEASE FEARS UNFOUNDED
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin told a parliamentary estimates committee today that his department is equipped and fully prepared to deal with any biosecurity threat that could confront Queensland’s primary industries.
“Over the past year, my department has successfully supported industry and the community to deal with major challenges such as the Gladstone oil spill, Citrus Canker in Central Queensland and Sugarcane Smut in South East Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin today explained why some farmers had not been prosecuted in relation to allegedly feeding swill to pigs following claims made by Opposition Primary Industries and Fisheries spokesman Mike Horan during a parliamentary estimates committee meeting.
“I have been advised by Biosecurity Queensland that all of the cases mentioned by Mr Horan in relation to swill being fed to pigs in Queensland have been investigated and so far there has been insufficient evidence to prosecute.
“I am disappointed that Mr Horan is wasting his time with scare tactics instead of helping the industry.
“If Mr Horan is able to provide us with any additional information in relation to these cases that would assist us with prosecution then I would strongly encourage him to come forward with that information.
“Even though there has not been a prosecution to date in these cases, these investigations show that our inspectors are proactive in their efforts to protect our industries.
“Any complaints about swill feeding are treated seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.”
Swill feeding is an offence under the stock act because it has the potential to cause serious disease.
Media contact: 3239 6530
“Over the past year, my department has successfully supported industry and the community to deal with major challenges such as the Gladstone oil spill, Citrus Canker in Central Queensland and Sugarcane Smut in South East Queensland,” Mr Mulherin said.
Mr Mulherin today explained why some farmers had not been prosecuted in relation to allegedly feeding swill to pigs following claims made by Opposition Primary Industries and Fisheries spokesman Mike Horan during a parliamentary estimates committee meeting.
“I have been advised by Biosecurity Queensland that all of the cases mentioned by Mr Horan in relation to swill being fed to pigs in Queensland have been investigated and so far there has been insufficient evidence to prosecute.
“I am disappointed that Mr Horan is wasting his time with scare tactics instead of helping the industry.
“If Mr Horan is able to provide us with any additional information in relation to these cases that would assist us with prosecution then I would strongly encourage him to come forward with that information.
“Even though there has not been a prosecution to date in these cases, these investigations show that our inspectors are proactive in their efforts to protect our industries.
“Any complaints about swill feeding are treated seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.”
Swill feeding is an offence under the stock act because it has the potential to cause serious disease.
Media contact: 3239 6530