Australian Advocacy Group

Dear Nationals,

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the Nationals, under the coalition partnership with the Liberals, breaching their documented values by allowing government departments—namely the Department of Primary Industries (QLD)—to contravene fundamental human rights, private property rights, and individual choice to toxic chemical exposure in the unachievable pursuit of fire ant eradication.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP), administered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, is having a devastating impact on many people and businesses throughout South East Queensland. The program’s controls, restrictions, and audits are causing more harm than the fire ants themselves, as demonstrated by multiple firsthand accounts:

• Wesley Trevor, with 50 years’ experience in the plant industry, recounts how his low-chemical family nursery in the Gold Coast hinterland has faced unprecedented challenges—not from fire ant infestations, but from the program’s treatment regimes. (See: Shattered Dreams)
• Hay farmers in the Lockyer Valley suffer from the program’s impact on their livelihoods, as highlighted in Can You Hear Us? calling on Minister Tony Perrett to take action. (See: Lockyer Valley Hay Farmers)
• Trevor’s story reveals how his animals have died following multiple bait treatments despite no fire ants ever being found on his property. His request for a moratorium on fire ant baiting led to bullying and public denigration by authorities, including taxpayer-funded ABC labeling him a conspiracy theorist. (See: Trevor’s Story)
• Extensive concerns over environmental and health impacts of the NFAEP treatments have been documented, including evidence of government departments disregarding health and safety obligations. These are detailed in recent environmental health investigative articles highlighting the program’s failure to properly assess and mitigate chemical exposure risks to communities and ecosystems. (See: Environmental Health Effects — Substack and Fire Ant National Management Group issues)

Additionally, I must express my profound disappointment that both the State Member for Lockyer Valley, Jim McDonald, and the Federal Member for Wright, Scott Buchholz, have failed to adequately represent me and my community in the Lockyer Valley. Their inaction in addressing the devastating impacts of the NFAEP on our lives and livelihoods is deeply concerning.

Furthermore, the NFAEP has failed to adequately address the concerns of organic and sustainable producers. The standard chemical treatments utilize soybean oil and corn grit derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which contravenes the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce. This has led to a suspension of treatments on certified organic properties until suitable non-GMO alternatives are found. (See: Fire Ant Treatment and Organic Property)

Despite these critical issues, there has been limited transparency, engagement with stakeholders, or adoption of alternative approaches. The current one-size-fits-all chemical strategy ignores integrated pest management (IPM) principles that emphasize holistic, biological, and direct nest injection methods—proven alternatives that minimize toxic chemical exposure and respect individual rights. For example, the recent FASO pilot by Southern Cross University is pioneering IPM fire ant “soup” treatments that promise more sustainable outcomes. (See: FASO Pilot)

I urge The Nationals and their coalition partners to:

• Recognize and uphold the fundamental human and property rights of individuals affected by the NFAEP.
• Engage openly with impacted communities, including organic producers and farmers, to integrate their concerns into program management.
• Shift towards an IPM-based, holistic approach that incorporates direct nest treatments and reduces reliance on broad chemical applications.
• Invest in research for non-GMO, environmentally safe alternatives that align with organic standards and community health.

The current path not only jeopardizes livelihoods and ecosystems but undermines public trust in government programs. It is time for a transparent, evidence-based strategy that respects both people and the environment.

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Trevor Hold
Australian Advocacy Group