Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
All federal ministers urged to understand the importance of the defending agricultural industry from foot and mouth disease
Darren Chester urges the ministers to communicate with the public clearly on how they prepare to keep the Australians safe from any foot and mouth disease outbreak
I think it's important to start the 47th Parliament on a positive note. I want to thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for organising a briefing just moments ago in relation to foot-and-mouth disease. In the order of 100 MPs and staff attended that briefing, which reflects the concern across the parliament, across the chambers in relation to the crisis which is developing to our north.
Across regional Australia, people are extremely anxious about this biosecurity crisis for our northern neighbours
Issue above politics
As the member for Wright said earlier, the social and the economic impact of such an incursion into home soil here in Australia would be absolutely devastating for our regional areas. Our trade reputation would be trashed.
This is an issue which has to be above politics in this place. I urge all ministers - all ministers - in this place to understand the importance of this issue, even if it's not in your portfolio. I know you have a lot of important matters in front of you.
Keeping people safe
This issue is critical. You have to communicate with the Australian public more clearly on what you're doing and what additional steps you're prepared to take to keep us safe. Australians want reassurance. They want to know we're doing everything we possibly can to stop an incursion into our home soil.
If more needs to be done, everything must be on the table. If the Indonesians need more support, we have to provide it. It's much better to keep the disease away from Australian soil than to try and mitigate once it arrives. I urge the Prime Minister to consider forming a bipartisan task force to work together, to use the experience from across this chamber, to make sure we keep Australia safe.
Pictures from Darren Chester MP Facebook page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Council writes to the Victorian Treasurer opposing emergency levy, urging full repeal and fairer funding model
Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to access vital government services via the Mobile Service Centre visiting six towns

East Gippsland Council appoints seven new members to strengthen East Gippsland agriculture sector advisory committee

Martin Cameron announces Claire Lindsay as Marsh/Tierney Scholar to trek Kokoda and honour Gippsland's legacy

Darren Chester urges Minister to stop pay freeze as NDIS cuts threaten Gippsland participants allied health services

Free ATDW listings available to help East Gippsland tourism businesses boost online presence and reach new audiences

Southern Rural Water invites farmers to apply for Latrobe River water as 5.3GL reallocated to boost agriculture and jobs by 30 July

Tim Bull welcomes return of direct V/Line coaches, ending inconvenient metro transfers for East Gippsland passengers

Bass Coast Council is now accepting EOIs for the Victorian Women's Public Art Commission at Wonthaggi until 24 July 2025

East Gippsland celebrates lighting upgrades boost community spirit at Lindenow South and Wy Yung Reserves
