QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (15:02): I thank Senator Walker for the question. Like many in this place, we recognise the seriousness of the detection of H5 bird flu in wildlife, and we understand the concern in the community, particularly in Senator Walker's home state of South Australia and also in Western Australia, President.

I want to reiterate that the Albanese Labor government has been preparing for this since we've come to government, and our response to these detections is swift and coordinated. As confirmed yesterday, there have now been three detections of H5 bird flu in migratory seabirds—two were located in remote Western Australia and one in South Australia. A further sample from Western Australia is undergoing testing by CSIRO, and updates will be provided as results become available.

There remains no evidence of mass wildlife mortality and no evidence of infection in poultry or agriculture, and the risk to human health is low. With the global spread of H5, we have always been clear that we cannot prevent migratory birds from bringing the virus to our shores. That's why we've invested $113 million in preparedness as part of over $2 billion in strengthened biosecurity since coming to government.

Our funding has made a difference on the ground, across all states and territories, to ensure Australia is well prepared for the arrival of H5 bird flu. National biosecurity response arrangements have been activated. States and territories are leading on-ground responses, including testing and surveillance, supported by the Commonwealth.

Along with our technical experts, ministers have been in close and continuing contact with industry, states and territories to manage our response to these detections. The PRESIDENT: Senator Walker, first supplementary?