ADJOURNMENT
Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (16:39): Labor is going after our sweet and iconic pineapples. If we don't stop this soon, next it will be our nuts—a low blow for some growers, perhaps even a knockout. When will those opposite stop making life harder for Australian farmers?
Fraser Coast pineapple grower Colin Hawken fears this could be the final straw for an industry that produces around 68,000 tonnes in Queensland each year, worth almost $80 million. The real concern is proposed pineapple imports from India and Indonesia and the risks that come with them: exotic pests, unfair competition and potentially devastating biosecurity consequences.
Imports should not be approved until the science has been independently tested, strict biosecurity conditions are clear and Australian growers are protected. That is why the Nationals have launched a petition to back Australian farmers. In Hinkler, we grow some of the finest pineapples in the world.
Our growers deserve confidence that their livelihoods will not be put at risk. Colin, who represents growers in places like Littabella and Nikenbah, says the industry has already shrunk to around a third of its former size. Growers are asking a reasonable question: where is the fairness in requiring Australian farmers to meet high standards while allowing competition from imported fruit produced under very different conditions?
It's unfair and, frankly, it's nuts. On that note—our peanut growers have serious concerns too. Recently, I attended a shed meeting with Bundaberg and Childers peanut growers to hear directly about their worries about cheap imports.
Like our pineapple growers, they produce a world-class product under strict scrutiny. The same scrutiny should be applied to imported peanuts, and growers deserve a government prepared to give them a fair go. Here is some good news coming from our farms: the Bundaberg community can now lay claim to not one but two new Guinness World Records.
Led by SSS Strawberries and its freeze-dried fruit business, Gina's Table, an incredible 1,522 people gathered on 19 September to set the Guinness World Record for the most people picking strawberries in one place at the same time. That is more than 1,500 people helping put our region on the world stage while celebrating some of the most delicious strawberries on the planet.
Australian eating champion James Webb also tucked in and helped secure the second world record, eating just over 1.3 kilograms of strawberries in one minute. Congratulations to SSS Strawberries, Gina's Table, James Webb and every participant who picked their way to a record-breaking day. Two world records hang proudly in my office with plenty of Bundaberg pride.
Taking things to the next level is something we do well in Hinkler. Bundaberg's Community Group of the Year, Next Level Music, helps young local artists build experience, confidence and skills while connecting with other creatives. I recently attended their annual sunset fundraiser at Splitters Farm, where $15,000 was raised to support the regular youth jams and gigs.
Led by Abby Skye, Andrew Gifford, Wayne 'Batman' and Amelia Johnson, the team creates opportunities for young people to connect, make music and feel supported. Thank you to those investing in our young people and giving local talent a place to grow. I also thank Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour for meeting with me and the leader of the Nationals, Senator Matt Canavan, here in Canberra this week.
We discussed priorities for the Fraser Coast, including water, infrastructure, housing, accommodation and employment. I also acknowledge Regional Capitals Australia and its delegates, who advocate for stronger regional communities. Finally, it's with sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Alfio Bonanno, aged 92.
Alf loved to chat; more than that, he loved his community and put others first. In his later years, Alf lived in Bundaberg but was known to many as one of Childers' finest fellas. He was the husband of Helen, a dearly loved father and father-in-law, a beloved grandad to 13 grandchildren and a cherished great-grandad to 16 great-grandchildren.
Alf served Hinkler's federal divisional council for 20 years and was a loyal member of the Country Party, now the LNP, for almost 60 years. A man of faith and a cane farmer, he served on the Isis Central Sugar Mill Board for over 20 years, including as chairman, and contributed so much to his community as a Rotarian and in Apex. A family man who put his community first, he was kind and always ready for a conversation.
He enjoyed a quality red, a whisky or perhaps even a glass of bubbles. To Helen and the Bonanno family, I extend my sincere condolences. Cheers to Alf Bonanno, and to a long life lived in service and kindness to others.