The Australian Banana Growers’ Council (ABGC) has welcomed calls for stronger measures to prevent goods linked to modern slavery from entering Australia, saying consistent standards are essential for fair competition and responsible supply chains.

Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter MP raised the issue in Federal Parliament last month, calling for stronger laws to prohibit the importation of goods produced using forced labour or child labour.

The debate comes as a Biosecurity Import Risk Analysis considers the potential importation of fresh Cavendish bananas from the Philippines.

While the import assessment is focused on biosecurity risks, ABGC says the broader discussion about potential imports is also an opportunity to consider how Australia can ensure imported products meet appropriate ethical and labour standards.

Mr Katter cited concerns raised by the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner about Australia’s ability to identify and prevent goods produced through forced labour from entering the country, including reported child labour concerns in some banana-growing regions overseas.

During the parliamentary debate, Labor’s Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, acknowledged the seriousness of modern slavery and outlined the Government’s proposed introduction of a new criminal offence for companies with annual consolidated revenue exceeding $100 million that fail to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains.

Paul Inderbitzin, chair of the Banana Imports Committee, said Australian banana growers were required to meet high standards and that imported products should be subject to appropriate scrutiny.

“As Australian farmers, it’s not only important to us, as responsible employers, to provide safe, ethical workplaces – it’s a legal requirement. We also have to demonstrate that we meet certain standards to supply major retailers.

“These calls for stronger action are about making sure the same commitment to responsible production is reflected across supply chains, including for goods imported into Australia.

“Every Australian banana grower would want to see modern slavery addressed, wherever it occurs. We believe consumers should be able to have confidence that the products they buy have not come at the expense of vulnerable workers.”