There's been an outcry since Biosecurity last week released its IRA recommending Australia relaxes import restriction to permit the import of Filippino bananas.

The Nationals Queensland Senator Ron Boswell says the inquiry, to be conducted by the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee, will report by March 19.

It will inquire into and examine issues relating to the import risk analysis (IRA) for the importation of Cavendish bananas from the Philippines including:

• Biosecurity Australia’s administration of the IRA process.

• The scientific and technical information relied upon by the IRA team.

• The feasibility of the risk management measures and operational arrangements proposed in the final IRA report.

• The capacity of the Australian Government and in particular the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to monitor and enforce compliance with the risk management measures and operational arrangements proposed in the final IRA.

“Senator Heffernan and I have been working closely to establish the guidelines for this Senate inquiry to allow a proper investigation into the practicalities of Biosecurity Australia to actually implement the IRA,” Senator Boswell said.

“Advertising for the inquiry will start on December 3, submissions will close on February 20 and hearings, to take place around the end of February in Canberra, will be held in camera.

“This Senate Inquiry is an opportunity for the government to work with industry stakeholders to get the best result for banana growers and ensure that our banana industry remains disease free,” Senator Boswell said.

“The most important issue for this Senate Inquiry is how we can keep banana related diseases out of this country’s banana crops.”