The potential importation of fresh Cavendish bananas continues to attract attention in Federal Parliament, with Member for Kennedy Bob Katter tabling a motion that calls for greater protection of Australia’s agricultural sector.

The motion argues that Australia’s farmers operate with high input costs and comparatively low levels of government support, and raises concerns about the potential economic, social, environmental and biosecurity impacts of agricultural imports.

Bananas are among the fresh produce commodities specifically identified in the motion, alongside peanuts, pomelos, mangosteens, garlic and ginger.

The motion calls for import applications to meet a range of conditions before being approved, including demonstrating that there is no biosecurity risk and no unacceptable social or economic impact on Australian farmers and their communities. In addition, it asks the Government to introduce legislation that prohibits imports if non-compliant with international standards, including around modern slavery.