On Wednesday, 12 October 2022 NSWAA were invited to attend to give submissions at a Senate Inquiry into the adequacy of Australia’s biosecurity measures and response preparedness, in particular with respect to foot-and-mouth disease and varroa mite. Matthew Skinner and I attended on behalf of the Association. A full copy of the Hansard Transcript of the Inquiry is available to view on our website here.
I would like to explain one of my responses to the Senate Inquiry, which has caused some concern throughout the NSW bee industry after being taken out of context by the media. The answer I gave is my own opinion, which was clearly asked of me. I believe everybody is entitled to their own opinion, otherwise we would not have a democracy.
NSWAA fully support the government and DPI plan of eradication, and have assisted in every way possible, from being involved from day one at Local Command Centre, to helping organise volunteers for surveillance and destruction of hives (including my own hives).
Therefore, I would like to restate, NSWAA stance is one of working with government and representing its members how they wish to be represented.
Steve Fuller
NSWAA President
