[Greens-Media] Senator Milne: ABETZ CASUAL ON QUARANTINE

[O'Connor, Cassy (Sen C. Milne)]

ABETZ CASUAL ON QUARANTINE

Hobart, Monday, 3 September 2007

Australian Greens Climate Change Spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne,
today called on Fisheries Minister, Senator Eric Abetz, to act fast to
contain the spread of a virus that could destroy Tasmania's abalone
industry.

Senator Milne said, "Senator Abetz cannot be taken seriously on
quarantine issues if he thinks we can wait for action until the virus
killing Victorian abalone reaches Tasmanian waters.

"Australia's horse-racing industry should be very grateful that Senator
Abetz is not managing their concerns, or the swift action to contain the
spread of horse flu would have been derailed by silly arguments about
whether it was a state or federal issue.

"This is no time for a casual approach to quarantine. Once the disease
reaches Tasmania, it will be too late. We need fast action now from
Federal authorities to contain the disease and make sure it never
reaches our State.

"The Tasmanian abalone industry has been highly responsible by closing
their fishery. But they want answers and they want action."

Contact: Tim Hollo (Canberra) on  0437 587 562 or Cassy O'Connor
(Hobart) on 03 6224 8899