Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House our call for urgent reform of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP).

After 24 years and more than $1 billion spent, fire ants continue to spread. Leading experts now consider eradication unfeasible. Yet the program persists with mass pesticide treatments including chemicals unregistered or under investigation without a full Australian Environmental Risk Assessment.

Queenslanders have witnessed biosecurity officers, sometimes with police, entering private property without consent, applying chemicals where no nests were present, and disregarding medical or other reasonable objections. Concerns raised by residents are too often ignored, and no provision for compensation has been made for those adversely affected. Such actions undermine basic human rights, private property rights, and community trust. Protecting the rights of all citizens to be heard must remain central to any response.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:

• Reframe the NFAEP strategy toward direct nest treatment in heavily infested areas.
• Commission an independent Environmental Risk Assessment into long-term pesticide use.
• Initiate an external review of program impacts to date, including harm already caused, and address compensation for affected residents.
• Transition to Integrated Pest Management that supports chemical alternatives, innovation, and community-led solutions.
• Guarantee that the December 2025 “Gate Review” includes open community consultation and does not entrench chemical-heavy practices.
• Choose a transparent, science-based, and community-focused path that protects people, animals, and ecosystems.
• Demand change for accountability, our environment, and the rights of Queenslanders to be heard.