Following the release of the Issues Paper in June, Australian Banana Growers’ Council members were offered an exclusive opportunity to meet with Banana Imports Committee Chair Paul Inderbitzin. 

Paul (standing, third from left) provided an update on the No Imports campaign, outlined the BIRA process and took questions from the room. Thank you to those who took time to come along and share their thoughts and ideas.   

What is the latest update?  

Recently, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has released important information regarding its ongoing assessment of importing fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines. 

Issues Paper  

The Issues Paper ourlines background information, identifies potential disease or pest hazards, and invites public feedback on certain items for a period of 30 days. It is separate (and additional) to the draft report, expected in early 2027.  

Click here to view the issues paper here.  

Trip Report  

In late March (23rd-27th), DAFF representatives travelled to the Philippines, where they viewed five farms in Davao del Norte, Bukidnon and Davao de Oro. The trip report is additional information provided by DAFF, on top of their standard communication processes.   

All the farms DAFF toured currently export bananas and have their own packing facilities. They are run by four different companies and are varying in size.   

Moko, black Sigatoka, banana freckle and Panama disease Tropical Race 4 were present at all farms visited. DAFF reports that the diseases were managed through high intensity monitoring and control programs, as well as the use of tolerant cultivars.  

View the full report here.  

BIRA decision 

A BIRA (Biosecurity Imports Risk Analysis) brings in additional, regulated requirements to the standard import risk analysis process, including:  

• Appointment of the Scientific Advisory Group to examine and provide comment on any aspect of the BIRA  
• Publishing a provisional report before releasing the final report  
• An option for stakeholders to request the Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) to review the process for conducting the analysis. 

These steps are prescribed under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and the Biosecurity Regulations 2016.  

What can you do now?  

• Watch the recent webinar from 24 June 2026 – agriculture.gov.au/banana-Philippines
• 24 June 2026 Webinar Transcript – Click here to read
• Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns, you can email [email protected]  
• Write to your MP – Click here to download a template  
• Back the Banana Imports Fighting Fund – click here to find out more   

What’s next?  

A draft report on the import risk analysis is expected early in 2027, which will be open to consultation for a minimum of 60 calendar days. This report will include the biosecurity risk assessment and details of any proposed risk management measures. It will also discuss how the information from this technical visit was considered.   

The Banana Imports Committee will continue to lead the industry response, focussing on political strategy and raising widespread support.