CANBERRA - Australian quarantine officials have refused to speed up a decision on whether to allow New Zealand apple imports.
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service told a Senate committee it was not trying to drag out the issue of whether New Zealand apples were clear of fire blight disease and could enter Australia.
South Australian Liberal Party Senator Jeannie Ferris demanded the officers help her state's apple industry by announcing a decision date.
But quarantine officers said proper scientific investigation was needed.
"I'd rather be in a position where we are sure the product is going to be scientifically robust," an officer told the estimates hearing of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee. An analysis was likely to be completed before the end of June.
Senator Ferris said South Australian apple farmers had waited two years for a decision.
"They are concerned about the ongoing instability and uncertainty brought about by the second time New Zealand has tried to get apples in here.
"It has been two years of uncertainty in terms of their planning and expansion."
- NZPA
Ruling on NZ apple imports awaited
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