Australians are overwhelmingly opposed to foreign fruit imports, calling for the government to block applications, a new survey has found.
The News Corp Australia readers’ poll, conducted as part of this masthead’s Back Australia campaign, found 96 per cent want new applications for foreign bananas, kiwifruit and pineapples spiked.
Queensland banana grower Paul Inderbitzin said given the “extreme” risk of disease coming into the country, “why would we want to jeopardise our industry for not much gain?”
Reader Nancy agrees, adding: “It is ridiculous to put our farmers and their crops at risk by allowing imports which could quite possibly introduce crop diseases.”
Mark added: “This is just another example of the federal government’s contempt for Australian businesses. Why do we need to import fruit when we can grow the majority?”
Barry was blunt: “Buy local, eat local, support Australia grown!”
Aussies also want action on the brain drain, with 87 per cent (of 593 respondents) saying government should do more to help Aussies abroad return home.
AUSTRALIA’S AMBITION UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Former PM Howard said keeping Australian conditions “both competitive and attractive” would help address the brain drain.
A staggering 92 per cent said Australia isn’t ambitious enough about its economic and technological future.
Reader “AI pal” said: “Maybe do something about our universities … they seem more interested in overseas students than proper education.”
Meanwhile, Jonathon, an expat, said a 30 per cent pay cut and housing five times the price made returning home “daunting”.
The Back Australia series is supported by Harvey Norman, Ampol, Bunnings, Qantas, AAMI, Journey Beyond, Gippsland Critical Minerals and News24.