Urgent Debates Declined — Biosecurity Incursions—Queensland Fruit Fly

I have a received a letter from the Hon Damien O’Connor seeking to debate under Standing Order 386 the potential biosecurity hazard raised by the discovery of a second foreign fruit fly in Whangarei. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. However, the response of the Ministry for Primary Industries to the discovery of the fruit fly in Whangarei is ongoing. The big hurdle to get over in an urgent debate application is whether the matter has reached the stage where the business of the House should be set aside. The test is a high one.

A further discovery of a fruit fly has been reported and ministry staff have been deployed to monitor the controlled area. Information available suggests this is a new find unrelated to the incident in January. Some restrictions have been placed on the movement of fruit and vegetables to minimise the risk of fruit fly being moved out of the controlled area. Although public confidence in New Zealand’s biosecurity system is important, I am not convinced that I would be justified in setting aside the business of the House today on the basis of this particular incident. The application is therefore declined.

I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I appreciate your decision. I would just like to get some guidance. How many fruit fly incursions—

Order! The member will resume his seat. The last time he raised this matter he equally questioned my decision. I invited him then, if he required an explanation as to my decision, to come and see me. I repeat that invitation, but I do not appreciate him challenging my decision today.