Close to 100 politicians, political staffers and advisors met Australian banana growers at Parliament House, putting biosecurity, regional communities and the future of our industry directly in front of federal decision makers.
Delivered by the Australian Banana Grower’s Council (ABGC), the event brought together representatives from Labor, the Liberal and National parties, One Nation and the crossbench. For members, this broad engagement helped build political understanding of the issues that directly affect banana businesses and growing regions.
ABGC’s event gave Stephen Lowe (Acting Chair), Paul Inderbitzin (Banana Imports Committee Chair), and Leanne Erakovic (ABGC CEO) valuable opportunities to speak directly with political leaders and advisers.
Supported by Senator Anthony Chisholm and Senator Susan McDonald, the event attracted MPs and senators from across Australia, including key elected representatives from banana-growing and regional areas and relevant portfolio holders.
The bright yellow Australian Bananas backdrop and pedal-powered Bike n’ Blend smoothie bikes turned heads and opened the door to substantive conversations.
Behind the smoothies and photos was a serious message: Australia has a strong, productive banana industry worth protecting.
With the proposed importation of fresh bananas from the Philippines firmly on the industry’s agenda, growers and ABGC representatives spoke with decision makers about biosecurity, the livelihoods supported by banana production and the importance of strong regional communities.
The impact also extended beyond Parliament House. Politicians from across political parties shared or acknowledged the event through their social media channels, and industry media also helped spread the word.
“Through this event, we made fantastic inroads to reaching politicians that we haven’t reached before, bringing all walks of political influencers into the conversation,” said Paul Inderbitzin.
The event delivered more than visibility. It put Australian growers, their biosecurity concerns and the future of the industry firmly on Canberra’s agenda. ABGC will continue building on these conversations and keep members informed as its advocacy progresses.
“This event put growers’ biosecurity concerns directly in front of federal decision makers and reinforced why safeguarding our industry matters to regional communities,” said Stephen Lowe.
