Australia’s banana industry has spent decades building a world-class, reliable domestic supply, backed by robust biosecurity. So when the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced its long-anticipated review of market access for Philippine banana imports at the request of the Philippines Government, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council was ready—strong, coordinated and already mobilised.
The ABGC, working closely with the industry’s Banana Imports Committee, has led a proactive, highly visible campaign to reject the potential of banana imports, and protect grower livelihoods, regional communities and Australia’s biosecurity integrity. Central to this has been a targeted media and advocacy effort designed to put the industry’s concerns front and centre—and it has delivered impact across the nation, from Parliament House in Canberra to regional newsrooms in key banana growing regions.
A media blitz with national reach
In line with DAFF’s announcement on16 September, the ABGC rolled out a comprehensive media strategy that ensured every major newsroom in the country understood the risks and impact to our domestic industry associated with the review.
A national media statement set the tone early, outlining the industry’s clear and united opposition to banana imports. On announcement day, ABGC CEO, Leanne Erakovic, fronted a press conference at the ABGC headquarters in Brisbane, drawing cameras from Channels 7, 9, 10, ABC and Landline.
Over 150 pieces of media coverage followed across television, radio, print and online platforms. The messaging was consistent, firm and widely echoed: imported bananas pose unacceptable biosecurity risks, threaten thousands of regional jobs, and undermine one of Australia’s most important agricultural industries.
The strong media performance of ABGC CEO Leanne Erakovic, Banana Imports Committee Chair Paul Inderbitzin and ABGC Chair Leon Collins positioned the organisation as the leading authority on banana biosecurity. Positive commentary, widespread quoting of ABGC messages and repeated requests for further comment reinforced industry leadership at this critical time.
Driving political engagement and building momentum
Alongside public communications, the ABGC has launched an intensive advocacy campaign to ensure every relevant political decision-maker understands what is at stake. In the latter half of 2025, more than 25 federal Members of Parliament—including ministers, shadow ministers, crossbenchers and regional representatives—have met directly with ABGC leadership, with access described as “unprecedented”.
This includes direct engagement with the Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins, the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and influential Opposition and crossbench voices such as David Littleproud, Bob Katter, Senators Matt Canavan and Susan McDonald.
Letters were issued to all federal MPs immediately at the time of the announcement, followed by targeted correspondence to key Greens Senators, independents and industry-relevant ministers. Additional engagement has also begun across Queensland and New South Wales state governments to ensure bipartisan recognition of the risks and national alignment on the ABGC’s position.
At every step, ABGC has been clear, consistent and highly visible.
Strengthening industry unity
The Banana Imports Industry Meeting in Innisfail on 24 September brought together more than 130 growers and stakeholders. Held just eight days after the DAFF announcement, it demonstrated strong industry unity, enabled direct updates on the review process, and reinforced ABGC’s leadership.
Coupled with regular stakeholder emails, social media updates and member communications, growers have been kept fully informed—and united—in the response effort.
A strong start to the fight ahead
The ABGC’s approach—strategic, rapid and disciplined—has ensured the banana industry had a powerful early voice in shaping the national conversation. Media coverage has been widespread, political engagement deep, and industry unity strong.
This is only the beginning of the fight, but the message is already clear: Australia’s banana growers are organised, visible and determined. Under the leadership of Paul Inderbitzin, Banana Imports Committee Chair, ABGC CEO Leanne Erakovic and Chair Leon Collins, the ABGC has made it unmistakably known that the industry will defend Australia’s healthy, robust domestic banana sector—and will not step back from the challenge ahead.