Protecting Australia's Banana Industry

The Banana Imports Committee was formed to counter the threat of banana imports from the Philippines. It was formed prior to the last campaign (early 2000s) and has continued to work in the background to ensure industry was best-placed should the issue arise again – and of course, it now has.

It works alongside the Australian Banana Growers’ Council but is an entity in its own right.

Essentially, this dedicated committee exists only through the support of growers, industry partners and the ABGC. That’s why support of the Banana Imports Fighting Fund is crucial. It allows for the committee, and other relevant experts, to invest in the future of the Australian banana industry.

The BIC executive form the core group of decision makers but also draw on relevant subject experts, solicitors, researchers and political advisors as needed. These external parties are carefully chosen and represent leaders in their fields, to ensure the Committee can make the best possible decisions for industry.

The committee welcomes thoughts, ideas and suggestions from growers and other industry stakeholders. Reach out to [email protected]

Ultimately, the Banana Imports Committee aims to stop banana imports.

It is currently focussed on mounting the industry’s case against the potential import of bananas from the Philippines (the imports risk assessment is ongoing).

The Committee draws on science to demonstrate that the risk to Australia’s world-class biosecurity standards is simply too great. The Australian banana industry is free from many of the world’s most devastating pests and diseases – BIC exists to help industry keep it that way.

Goals:

• Raise awareness of the biosecurity risks posed by importing bananas
• Generate and coordinate support from industry, government, community and consumers
• Stand ready to provide an informed, science-backed response to the Draft Imports Risk Assessment, expected late 2026 or early 2027, on behalf of industry.
• Ensure a sustainable, profitable future for Australia’s banana growers by stopping imports.

The Committee executive are:

• Paul Inderbitzin, BIC chair Lakeland grower
• Leon Collins, ABGC chair, Tully / Lakeland grower
• Leanne Erakovic, ABGC CEO

Paul is a banana grower from Lakeland in Far North Queensland. Part of a multi-generational farming family, Paul has demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving outcomes for the banana industry while running his successful farming business.

Paul’s passion for this cause is deeply personal. Like banana farming families across the country, the risks brought on by imports threaten his family’s legacy and their livelihood in the future. Committed to fighting this cause with strategy and science, he’s got skin in the game spurring him on. 

Paul’s knowledge of farming, media experience and qualifications make him a valuable and effective advocate.

A snapshot of Paul’s achievements:

• Third-generation banana grower
• 2013 Nuffield Scholar, completing his study in biosecurity and waste reduction
• Former director, Australian Banana Growers’ Council
• Former chair, Australian Banana Industry Congress
• Finalist, Charlie Nastasi Horticultural Farmer of the Year

This campaign is informed by the success of the last campaign, and the lessons learnt along the way.

However, the political, media and industry landscape is very different in 2026 to what it was some 20 years ago.

The Imports Committee has a clear but flexible strategy designed to maximise impact. There will also be plenty of opportunity for growers to get involved, via events, support and merchandise in future. ABGC and BIC will promote callouts to growers at opportune times throughout DAFF’s review process, as part of the ‘No Banana Imports’ Advocacy Strategy.