STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr RICK WILSON (O'Connor) (13:45): I rise today to update the House on a serious biosecurity threat unfolding in my electorate. Cape Le Grand National Park, east of Esperance, is renowned for its pristine coastline, but it has now become ground zero for Australia's first confirmed cases of avian influenza. Thanks to the swift action of local wildlife carers and Swans Veterinary Services, cases have been identified, and the Esperance community is stepping up to contain the spread.

As reported in the Kalgoorlie Miner, in an article aptly named 'Birdbrained', the Esperance Wildlife Hospital, a purpose built wildlife biosecurity facility that has even rehearsed its response to highly pathogenic avian influenza cannot be used because its toilet does not meet certification requirements. You couldn't make this stuff up. As a result, a single wildlife officer, Lori-Ann, is left managing potentially infected birds from her own home, at her own expense, without any government resources.

One person is fielding every phone call, and an incomprehensible government website is not adequately directing concerned stakeholders in my electorate. This is not preparedness, it's improvisation under pressure. While Minister Collins insists Australia is ready for this situation, it tells a very different story.

Right now, policy isn't translating into results. If Esperance's purpose built facility cannot be operationalised during an active threat, what faith can Australians have in the broader national response?