Brendan Moylan
Shadow Minister for Agriculture
Jacqui Munro
Shadow Minister for the Environment
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have called on the Minister for Regional NSW and Agriculture Tara Moriarty to return to work and do her job, after media reports she intends to take two weeks leave just days after the first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in NSW.
For weeks we’ve been warned of the significant biosecurity risks posed by H5 bird flu and the frightening impacts it could have on NSW.
Minister Moriarty should be ensuring every effort is focused on containing the disease and protecting producers, not taking annual leave.
There are times when your duty to the state must come first. This is one of those moments.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan said our poultry industry, egg producers and regional communities deserve to have their Agriculture Minister on the ground, engaged and overseeing the response to what is one of the most significant biosecurity threats Australia has faced.
“At a time when producers are understandably anxious, the Minister’s absence sends the wrong message. It reflects poor judgement at the very moment calm, visible leadership is needed,” Mr Moylan said.
Shadow Minister for the Environment Jacqui Munro said H5N1 has caused a deadly, global pandemic for marine birds and wildlife, that is pushing some species, including seals, to the brink of extinction.
“If the same level of disease and death reaches our shores, we risk losing entire populations of native wildlife,” Ms Munro said.
“The potential catastrophic impact of H5N1 on Australian native birds and coastal wildlife cannot be overstated. A nationally coordinated response is necessary.”
Nobody disputes a Minister’s right to take leave, but judgement must be applied.
The Liberals and Nationals are urging people, particularly in coastal areas, to be alert to potential outbreaks and report unusual bird deaths or sick wild bird sightings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.