Parliament House is always a little bit bananas.
On 16 September, the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) is taking it to the next level.
Growers, politicians and industry stakeholders will be celebrating the Australian icon, and delving into its homegrown success story. The event will also be an opportunity to discuss key issues facing industry, including the current review of biosecurity measures to import fresh bananas from the Philippines.
Who:
- Paul Inderbitzin, banana grower from Lakeland in Far North Queensland Third generation grower who is currently chair of the Banana Imports Committee
- Stephen Lowe, banana grower from Tully in Far North Queensland Third generation grower and ABGC Deputy Chair
- Leanne Erakovic, CEO of the ABGC Representative of the Banana Imports Committee
What’s happening: We’ll be celebrating an Aussie icon with plenty of bananas (of course) and banana-inspired treats, including pedal-powered banana smoothie bikes. There’ll be addresses from a range of representatives including Senator Susan McDonald and Senator Anthony Chisholm. Paul and Stephen will share insights into the realities of banana farming in Australia, what they love about growing the popular fruit, and provide their lived experience as it relates to current industry issues.
When and where: 16 September | 10am – 1pm, Senator’s Courtyard 28JK, Parliament House Speeches from Senator Susan McDonald and Senator Anthony Chisholm commencing at 10.05am.
Media contacts:
- Emily Hoang (attending the event): 0459 903 809
- Amy Spear: 0439 005 946
About Australian bananas:
- Australians eat around 5 million bananas a day.
- Every banana currently purchased in Australia is grown by an Australian farmer.
- Fresh production was valued at $719.4m in the financial year ending June 2025.
- With flow on, the industry contributes approx. $1.3 billion to the Australian economy.
- The industry supports about 18,000 jobs, particularly in regional communities.
- 94% of bananas are grown in Far North Queensland, but there are also bananas grown in New South Wales, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
About the Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC):
ABGC is the peak industry body for commercial banana growers in Australia. It exists to ensure growers have a profitable and sustainable future, through advocacy and project delivery. Its team is based in Far North Queensland, at the Brisbane Markets and in Northern New South Wales.