Tasmania warns it may defy Canberra over apple imports

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2001
Tasmania warns it may defy Canberra over apple imports

Tasmania warns it's prepared to defy the federal government by unilaterally banning
importing New Zealand apples.

Primary Industries Minister DAVID LLEWELLYN says the state government's row with Biosecurity
Australia over apple imports has parallels with last year's dispute over raw salmon imports.

Tasmania successfully defied the federal government and the World Trade Organisation
by banning raw salmon imports because it feared they could introduce diseases.

Biosecurity Australia, in a draft import risk assessment, proposes allowing New Zealand
apples into the country, provided they come from areas clear of the disease fire blight.

It also stipulates they be dipped in chlorine.

But Mr LLEWELLYN, whose stand is backed by the Tasmanian apple and pear industry, says
these measures are inadequate.

He says the disease could have a devastating effect on an industry that produces 75
per cent of Australia's apple exports.

The state government today presented its submission to a Senate committee inquiring
into the issue.

The submission claims the scientists who carried out the risk assessment are apparently
more influenced by trade factors than biosecurity.

AAP RTV dw/hn/jn

KEYWORD: APPLES TAS (HOBART)

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