The Senate Environment And Communications References Committee is conducting an inquiry into the risks and opportunities associated with the use of Tasmanian Bombus terrestris (Apidea) (Bt) bumblebees for commercial purposes.
A Tasmanian glasshouse trial cannot proceed unless the Senate agrees to amend existing legislation.
PCA Protected Cropping Australia has replied to the request below with a submission that comprehensively addresses the Committee’s terms of reference.
PCA also circulated all members an email notifying the closing date and with a sample submission. The Senate Committee is due to report on 22/6/16.
THE SENATE
SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS REFERENCES COMMITTEE
10 February 2016
Mr Robert Hayes
Company Chair
Protected Cropping Australia
PO Box 538
NARRABEEN NSW 2101
Dear Mr Hayes
Inquiry into the risks and opportunities associated with the use of the bumblebee population in Tasmania for commercial purposes
On 3 February 2016, the Senate referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee a range of matters relating to the risks and opportunities associated with the use of the bumblebee population in Tasmania for commercial purposes for inquiry and report by 22 June 2016.
The full terms of reference are below.
The Committee invites you to provide a written submission addressing issues that may be of relevance to you. The submission should be lodged by 3 March 2016.
The Committee will consider all submissions, and may invite individuals and organisations to give evidence at a public hearing.
Should you require further information, please contact the Committee secretariat on (02) 6277 3526.
Yours sincerely
Christine McDonald
Secretary
SENATE Environment and Communications References Committee
Inquiry into the risks and opportunities associated with the use of the bumblebee population in Tasmania for commercial purposes
The following matter be referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 22 June 2016:
The risks and opportunities associated with the use of the bumblebee population in Tasmania for commercial pollination purposes, including:
(a) the existing distribution and population density of exotic bumblebees;
(b) productivity and economic benefits of the commercial use of bumblebees for agricultural producers;
(c) the potential environmental impacts associated with the commercial use of bumblebees, including whether their use is likely to:
(i) impact the conservation status of a species or ecological community,
(ii) impact biodiversity,
(iii) cause unintended ecological impacts, and
(iv) contribute to a wider distribution of bumblebees;
(d) the implications for Australia’s biosecurity regime of any approval to use bumblebees in Tasmania for commercial purposes;
(e) the potential economic outcomes;
(f) the effectiveness of alternative pollination options; and
(g) any other related matters.