Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Because of the time constraints this afternoon, I will not keep the chamber long. But I do want to endorse the comments of the chairman and Senator Ruston. I was particularly interested in the Queensland submissions. Curiously, as other speakers have mentioned, in Queensland there are national parks where bees could propagate and do their thing but they are banned from all of the national parks in Queensland, which is a ridiculous situation that really needs to be changed.

Can I just say to all of those people who gave evidence—particularly those in Queensland: we do hear what you are talking about; we do hear your issues; you are not alone. The recommendations made by the committee unanimously are recommendations which I certainly hope the government will pursue.

In concluding, I want to say I was pleased that Dave Elson, an old friend of mine—and interestingly the husband of the former member for Forde, Kay Elson, who for years tried to explain to me different things about the bee industry, particularly its pollination impacts and the essential nature of the industry in relation to so many other agricultural crops—was able to come along and give evidence. I want to assure him and all of his colleagues in Queensland that their message has been heard, and we will try to ensure that the recommendations of the committee are indeed actioned.

Question agreed to.