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Dissenting report slams banana import decision
24 Jun 2004
A previously suppressed report, by a member of the panel which recommended allowing Filipino banana imports, seriously questions the scientific evidence the panel relied on. The report also argues that Biosecurity Australia was not sufficiently conservative in assessing the risk that the imports would introduce moko to Australia.
Horticultural consultant David Peasley wrote the dissenting report in June 2003 after he failed to agree with six other members of the BA panel. The emergence of the report will increase pressure on the Federal Government from banana growers to overturn BA's recommendation.
Mr Peasley's report says there are major gaps in knowledge about moko disease and that areas such as the Tully Valley in north Queensland have highly favourable conditions for its spread. He also stated that Philippines authorities had failed to provide the panel with information on banana diseases.
Australian Financial Review, 24/6/04.
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