THE HON. KEVIN HOGAN MP
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PAGE
SHADOW ASSISTANT TREASURER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FINANCIAL SERVICES
Media Release
Protect our bees. Protect our food supply.
Varroa mite is now a food security issue, not just a beekeeping issue.
Following recent meetings with commercial beekeepers, Kevin Hogan MP is warning that Australia’s food production faces a growing pollination risk. He is calling on State and Federal Governments to act now to protect commercial beekeepers before further hive losses threaten our capacity to pollinate Australian crops and, ultimately, our food supply.
“Varroa has fundamentally changed commercial beekeeping in Australia. But the consequences reach beyond honey production. Commercial beekeepers provide essential pollination services supporting our fruit, vegetable, nut, berry and seed production,” Mr Hogan said.
Varroa is a highly destructive parasite that attacks honeybees, weakens colonies and can ultimately kill them. After Australia remained free of established Varroa, incursions were detected at Australian ports, and the response was subsequently moved from eradication to long-term management.
Beekeepers have invested heavily in costly, approved treatments, changed management practices and adapted their businesses, yet many continue to experience significant colony losses despite following current advice.
“When hives are lost, Australia loses pollination capacity. When experienced commercial beekeepers leave the industry, we lose knowledge, equipment and capability that cannot simply be replaced.”
Australia’s warmer climate allows colonies to breed for extended periods, while treatment resistance is also emerging. Commercial beekeepers are calling for practical, affordable and effective treatment options, alongside financial support to remain viable.
They are seeking a lawful, accredited and regulated own-use pathway for appropriately trained beekeepers to prepare and use specified organic treatments already approved and used overseas for Varroa management, with appropriate safety and food standards. Mr Hogan supports their call.
Mr Hogan is also calling for Varroa’s lessons to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system through prevention, surveillance, early detection and rapid response to avoid future agricultural threats.
“The question is no longer simply how we protect Australia’s bees; it is how we protect Australia’s ability to produce food.”
ENDS
31 August 2026
Media:
Kevin Hogan: 0428 291 307
Immy Cook: 0419 821 142
Authorised by Kevin Hogan MP, National Party of Australia, Lismore, NSW
