Charlotte Walker (SA, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator McCarthy. Yesterday, H5 bird flu was detected in my home state of South Australia, following earlier detections in Western Australia. Can the minister update the Senate on the latest information available about these detections and outline how the Albanese Labor government is working with states and territories, including South Australia, and with industry to respond? Can the minister also outline how the Albanese Labor government has supported states and territories to prepare for detections such as these, including through national coordination, surveillance, preparedness measures and broader biosecurity arrangements across Australia?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Walker for the question. Like many in this place, we recognise the seriousness of the detection of H5 bird flu in wildlife, and we understand the concern in the community, particularly in Senator Walker's home state of South Australia and also in Western Australia, President. I want to reiterate that the Albanese Labor government has been preparing for this since we've come to government, and our response to these detections is swift and coordinated. As confirmed yesterday, there have now been three detections of H5 bird flu in migratory seabirds—two were located in remote Western Australia and one in South Australia. A further sample from Western Australia is undergoing testing by CSIRO, and updates will be provided as results become available.

There remains no evidence of mass wildlife mortality and no evidence of infection in poultry or agriculture, and the risk to human health is low. With the global spread of H5, we have always been clear that we cannot prevent migratory birds from bringing the virus to our shores. That's why we've invested $113 million in preparedness as part of over $2 billion in strengthened biosecurity since coming to government. Our funding has made a difference on the ground, across all states and territories, to ensure Australia is well prepared for the arrival of H5 bird flu.

National biosecurity response arrangements have been activated. States and territories are leading on-ground responses, including testing and surveillance, supported by the Commonwealth. Along with our technical experts, ministers have been in close and continuing contact with industry, states and territories to manage our response to these detections.

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Walker, first supplementary?

Charlotte Walker (SA, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister outline how the Commonwealth is coordinating with states and territories, and relevant agencies, to ensure a consistent approach to surveillance, information sharing and response activities, including in relation to wildlife impacts and environmental considerations?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

The national response to this issue has been comprehensive. As I mentioned earlier, national biosecurity response arrangements guide how the Commonwealth works with states and territories when we receive detections like these. States and territories are leading response activities on the ground, with Western Australia and South Australia managing surveillance, testing and engagement with industry and local communities. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is coordinating nationally, and chief veterinary officers from every state and territory are meeting daily. The Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases has met multiple times, endorsed a national surveillance plan and brought together every jurisdiction, CSIRO, industry representatives and wildlife health bodies. Environment and wildlife health experts are part of this work, including monitoring for impacts on native species. This is what coordinated national action looks like. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Walker, second supplementary?

Charlotte Walker (SA, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

How does this response demonstrate Australia's broader national preparedness for H5 bird flu, including the systems, governance arrangements and investments in place to support a coordinated response across jurisdictions?

Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) | Link to this | Hansard source

These detections show that our preparedness investments are working as intended. We said H5 bird flu was not a question of 'if', but 'when'. We acted on that assessment. In 2024 we established a dedicated whole-of-government taskforce across agriculture, environment, health and emergency management. We have run six national simulation exercises so that every jurisdiction knew their responsibilities before a single case was confirmed. Cost-sharing arrangements and governance frameworks were established and tested. Surveillance systems are now functioning as designed. Our $113 million investment has strengthened frontline capacity in every state and territory. This is what over $2 billion in biosecurity investment since coming to government looks like in practice.