HPAI H5 and National Red Imported Fire Ant eradication program response plan 2027-32 - Meeting Communiqué
18 September 2026
Commonwealth, state, and territory agriculture ministers met on 18 September 2026 to discuss the evolving H5 bird flu situation and the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program Response Plan 2027-32.
This meeting was chaired by the Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister Julie Collins.
H5 bird flu situation update
Ministers received an update on the evolving H5 bird flu situation, including confirmed detections in wild birds across multiple jurisdictions and a small number of detections in wild mammals. Ministers noted that Australia’s poultry and agricultural production systems remain free from H5 bird flu and acknowledged the leadership of states and territories in surveillance and on-ground response activities, supported by national coordination and cross-sector collaboration.
Ministers welcomed the additional Australian Government funding of $145 million, bringing its total bird flu investment to more than $270 million. This includes support for cost-shared national emergency biosecurity response activities and targeted action to protect priority native wildlife species and locations.
Ministers discussed nationally coordinated communications underway to provide Australians with clear, practical and proportionate advice. Ministers agreed to continue coordinating communications activity to maximise the reach and impact of government messaging.
Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated, evidence-based and responsive national approach to protecting Australia’s wildlife, agricultural industries, communities and economy from the impacts of H5 bird flu.
National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program Response Plan 2027-32
Minister Perrett (QLD) presented the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program Response Plan 2027-32 (Response Plan 2027-32). The presentation highlighted fire ant impacts, consequences if not eradicated and success of the current Response Plan 2023-27 in effectively containing the outbreak in Southeast Queensland. Ministers acknowledged the significant impacts that fire ants would have if not eradicated and noted that eradication remains technically feasible, cost beneficial and in the national interest.
Ministers noted the Response Plan 2027-32, and recognising the risks and impacts of a gap in funding on the spread of fire ants, agreed to consult their respective governments on funding and come back together for a final decision ahead of the 2027-28 Budget.
AMM Ministerial attendees
- Australian Government (Chair): Hon Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Australian Government: Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Assistant Minister for Resources.
- New South Wales: Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Minister for Western New South Wales.
- Northern Territory: Hon Gerard Maley, Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Minister for Mining and Energy, Minister for Corrections, Minister for Renewables, Minister for Recreational Fishing.
- Queensland: Hon Anthony (Tony) Perrett MP, Minister for Primary Industries.
- Tasmania: Hon Gavin Pearce MP, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
- Western Australia: Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food, Minister for Fisheries, Minister for Forestry, Minister for Small Business, Minister for the Mid West.
- Australian Capital Territory: Sam Engele* Deputy Director-General, Environment, Planning and Policy, City and Environment Directorate, ACT Government. *Proxy for Ms Suzanne Orr MLA, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Equality, Minister for Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity.
- South Australia: Mehdi Doroudi* Chief Executive, Department of Primary Industries and Regions. *Proxy for Hon Clare Scriven MLC, Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries.
- Victoria: Beth Jones* Deputy Secretary and Chief Executive, Agriculture Victoria. *Proxy for Hon Michaela Settle, Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Water.