NEWS | UPDATES
Imports info: protecting the Australian banana industry
PALM scheme update for growers
Putting banana freckle in the conversation
Chemical update
EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES
ABGC job opportunity: BMP Extension Officer
Meet Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) Leadership Team
Farming and Ag Women’s Leadership Scholarships
2026 Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership
NEWS | UPDATES
Imports info: protecting Australia’s banana industry
Watch the short video update by clicking here or on the image below >>
Over one hundred Australian banana growers, as well as councillors, MPs and supply chain representatives, attended information sessions run by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry last week (DAFF).
The sessions, so far held in Far North Queensland and Northern New South Wales, provided a chance for industry to speak directly to DAFF representatives.
The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is continuing its efforts to ensure that all Australian banana growers have a united voice in the ongoing review of banana imports from the Philippines.
Our position has remained steadfast as these sessions transpired:
- Australia produces enough high-quality bananas year round to meet domestic demand.
- We strongly oppose banana imports from the Philippines – they are unnecessary and present unacceptable biosecurity risks.
- Imports open the door to exotic crop diseases that are not presently in Australia. Such diseases would devastate our industry and we must safeguard our biosecurity standards to maintain this disease-free status.
- ‘Almost safe’ is not safe enough; no quarantine system can reduce the risk to zero.
DAFF’s consultation sessions
As part of our commitment to representing growers’ interests, the ABGC has attended every session and engaged directly with DAFF to ensure that your concerns are heard. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who took the time to attend and voice their concerns. Your input is invaluable to our advocacy efforts. Additionally, we are grateful to those who have reached out directly to ABGC with support, comments, and information, which will help guide our work and ensure accurate industry representation.
The feedback gathered will be used to advocate for the industry at the highest levels of government.
Comments made by growers included:
- The need for a person with banana production experience to be part of the technical visit to the Philippines (see video above)
- The reality of uncertainty – impacts on industry investment, finance, mental health and more.
ABGC’s advocacy
ABGC has taken the feedback from these sessions directly to the Federal Agriculture Minister, the Hon. Julie Collins. ABGC will ensure that the voice of members are front and centre throughout the review process.
“Our primary focus is ensuring the protection of the Australian banana industry and maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity system. We will continue to advocate strongly for our members,” said ABGC CEO Leanne Erakovic.
Ensuring regional representation
In response to feedback from our WA members, ABGC requested that DAFF hold a dedicated session in Western Australia in November. This session will be a critical opportunity for WA-based growers to engage directly with DAFF and share their concerns. ABGC CEO Leanne Erakovic is particularly looking forward to meeting with WA growers and ensuring their voices are fully represented.
“We advocated for a session in WA to ensure that growers from every region, including Western Australia, have the opportunity to participate in this important consultation process. I strongly encourage all WA growers to attend and share their thoughts,” said Ms Erakovic.
Next steps
ABGC will continue to closely monitor the review process to ensure the best outcome for Australian banana growers. We will keep members updated on key developments and encourage all growers to stay engaged and share their thoughts with us.
If you have any further feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Members: [email protected]
- All other growers and industry stakeholders: [email protected]
ABGC Members
Members are critical to ABGC’s role in giving industry a strong national voice. If you are a grower and not yet an ABGC member or unsure if y ou have had membership, please contact [email protected]. You can find out more here.
The latest update for members, including detail around advocacy and additional information, is available in the Members’ Portal. You’ll need to be logged in to check it out.
PALM scheme update for growers
ABGC has welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to continue the averaging of the 30-hour safety net over four weeks for workers on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
As part of the Horticulture Council (under the National Farmers Federation) ABGC had raised concerns that the previous approach would have required employers to guarantee 30 hours of work every week from April next year – even when factors like the weather prevented work being done.
More information can be found here.
On behalf of growers, ABGC will continue adding its voice to calls for averaging 30 hours per week over the duration of a work placement.
Putting banana freckle in the conversation
Better Bananas
Symptoms of banana freckle on a leaf of a cultivar in the Cavendish subgroup. Image shows raised spots that feel like sandpaper to the touch © Department of Primary Industries
aving a conversation with your staff about the importance of reporting anything unusual in your banana plants is just as important as it’s ever been. The risk of exotic pests and diseases is ever present, and early detection is critical to limit the impact.
Banana freckle poses a significant threat to Australia’s banana industry. The fungus Phyllosticta cavendishii causes banana freckle disease in Cavendish and non-Cavendish varieties and is found in the Northern Territory.
Click here for more information to help guide a conversation on banana freckle, including what you and your staff need to look out for.
Chemical update
As at 30 September, all uses of chlorpyrifos in bananas were cancelled.
You can find out about other options, research and more, here:
If you would like to speak to someone about what might work on your farm, you can contact:
- Tegan Cavallaro
National Banana Development and Extension Team
0459 846 053
[email protected]
- Ingrid Jenkins
National Banana Development and Extension Team
0497 801 980
[email protected]
- Dr. Rosie Godwin
R&D Manager – ABGC
[email protected]
ABGC has advocated on behalf of growers throughout the withdrawal process (read the submission to the APVMA here) and continues to foster research into sustainable options for the future.
EVENTS | OPPORTUNITIES
ABGC job opportunity: BMP Extension Officer
Would you like to work in a team that works collaboratively to achieve change in Far North Queensland?
We have a 12-month contract for an Extension Officer within our Best Management Practice (BMP) Team.
This unique position will allow you to build your own skills in areas such as extension, agronomy, water quality, communications, soil health, soil conservation and grower education.
Applications should be made to [email protected] by Thursday 23 October.
More info? Click here
Meet Biosecurity Queensland (BQ) Leadership Team
Tuesday 28th October 2025| 6.30pm | Silkwood Hotel
RSVP by COB 22nd October
The BQ Leadership Team is keen to meet with banana growers in Far North Queensland, hear your perspectives and discuss any concerns or challenges you may be facing. Emma Atkins, the new Regional Biosecurity Director for the North, will be attending. Emma’s role is focused on providing stronger, localised support to growers and the broader industry and this dinner will give you the chance to meet her and learn more about how the new regional structure will benefit you.
Please note that attendees will be responsible for covering the cost of their own meals on the night.
A Decade of Containment Opens New Possibilities
Through strong grower support, industry resilience and close collaboration with government, the banana industry has successfully contained Panama TR4 to the Tully Valley in Far North Queensland for over a decade. Building on this success, exploring safe and productive uses of Panama TR4-affected properties is an important step in securing the industry’s long-term future. Read more here.
2026 Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.
Each year, Women & Leadership Australia recognises outstanding leaders who are championing change for women, girls, and underrepresented groups through tangible actions and initiatives. These awards shine a spotlight on individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and influence to advancing diversity in leadership across Australia.
Anyone can submit a nomination so please share with your community to help us celebrate the unsung heroes from a wide range of backgrounds and industries.
Farming and Agriculture Women’s Leadership Scholarships
Partial scholarships valued between $700 and $3,000 per participant are now available for women in the Farming and Agriculture Industry. Recipients can apply these to one of four comprehensive leadership and workplace skill development programs.
These scholarships are aimed at encouraging more women to increase their impact at work, progress their career, and step into leadership roles.
Registrations of interest close Friday 24 October 2025.
Affiliate Members
The ABGC thanks its Affiliate Members for their ongoing support, which helps ensure ABGC can continue to represent the interests of banana growers and advocate for a better banana future.
