CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Ms URQUHART (Braddon) (09:54): I rise today to speak about H5 bird flu and what it means for Tasmania, for our wildlife and for our communities. Tasmania is home to remarkable birds and mammals. They are part of who we are.

So, when H5 bird flu was detected in birds on King Island and the north-west coast, which my electorate runs across, Tasmanians were rightly concerned. I want to reassure people that the response has been swift, coordinated and based on expert advice. The Albanese Labor government has invested more than $113 million to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and response capability, including national coordination, stronger biosecurity, public communication and more than $47 million to help protect threatened species and priority biodiversity.

This is a One Health response, recognising that the health of people, of animals and of the environment are all connected. The government is working closely with states and territories, industry wildlife experts, veterinarians, local councils and communities. The federal government has also launched a national reporting dashboard at birdflu.gov.au.

It shows where the disease is spreading, which species are affected and the number of events in each area, helping people understand what is happening and also respond quickly. Vaccination is now one part of the response, prioritising species identified by states and territories, especially vulnerable populations in captivity. In Tasmania, the state government has indicated it will prioritise orange-bellied parrots.

Other species of concern include our little penguins, masked owls, wedge-tailed eagles, fur seals and, of course, our endangered, beloved Tasmanian devils. But vaccination is not a silver bullet. Strong biosecurity remains our best defence.

Tasmania has expanded surveillance, including wildlife monitoring and testing, and every Tasmanian can play a part. The advice is simple. If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.

Keep pets away. Record the location, species and number affected. Take photos, but only if it's safe.

Then report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800675888 or through birdflu.gov.au. For people with backyard chickens or domestic birds, keep wild birds away from food and water, clean equipment and follow official biosecurity advice. When visiting beaches, reserves, national parks or farms, clean footwear, clothing and vehicles where needed so that we do not carry disease from place to place.

The risk to human health remains low, but vigilance matters. By reporting sick or dead wildlife, following the advice and supporting a coordinated response, Tasmanians can help protect our precious wildlife, our poultry industries and our communities.