New England MP Barnaby Joyce believes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should resign if it’s proven he knew about the invasive red fire ant breach in his own electorate last year and didn’t act on the discovery.
It follows news this week of the discovery of the red fire ants in a Sydney container yard, sparking fears the super pests may have spread further which Mr Joyce says could severely impact livestock in centres like Inverell.
Speaking on STA FM, Mr Joyce says he wants to know when the Prime Minister found out about the discovery and, if the fire ants were found last year, why the government didn’t act immediately on eradicating the species adding he’s received a lot of mail about when the fire ants actually arrived in Sydney
He says if it’s proven information was withheld, this is an example of incredibly bad management of both the state and federal governments which could cost farmers in the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Mr Joyce says if he finds that the discovery has been hidden from the public, the Prime Minister and other government officials should resign.
