Media Release | 23 April 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food Lachlan Hunter MP says WA growers are at breaking point as a fast growing mouse plague threatens up to $1 billion in crop losses—and State and Federal Labor are nowhere to be seen.
Mr Hunter said reports from across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern show mouse numbers surging, placing crops at serious risk just weeks out from seeding.
“We are staring down the barrel of up to $1 billion in losses, as estimated by CSIRO, and yet Labor has gone quiet as a mouse,” Mr Hunter said.
“Growers are reporting thousands of mice per hectare. This is not a minor issue, it is a full-blown plague, and the damage will be immediate if it is not brought under control.”
Mr Hunter said Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins must take responsibility for the lapse of emergency approvals for zinc phosphide bait (ZP-50), which has left farmers without access to a critical control tool.
“Farmers are being told to act before seeding, but the most effective bait is out of reach. That is a complete failure of federal leadership.
“Julie Collins must urgently reinstate emergency approvals for ZP-50 so farmers can access the bait they need to tackle this crisis.”
Mr Hunter said the Cook Labor Government also has a clear responsibility to support WA growers and coordinate a response, yet WA Agriculture Minister Jackie Jarvis has failed to outline any plan.
“Once again, the Cook Labor Government is missing in action while regional WA is left to deal with the consequences.
“In previous biosecurity crises, governments have stepped up, coordinating bait supply, supporting control programs and working directly with growers to get on top of the threat. Right now, we are seeing none of that.”
Mr Hunter said growers are already under immense pressure, with multiple crises hitting at once.
“First, Labor shut down the live sheep trade. Then fuel shortages forced farmers to scale back operations just weeks out from seeding.
“Now a mouse plague is spreading and, once again, farmers are being left to fend for themselves.”
He said both levels of government must act immediately to prevent widespread damage to crops and regional economies.
“Labor is once again ignoring the regions, leaving growers exposed at the worst possible time.
“Federal and WA Labor must come out of hiding and deliver a coordinated plan, including clear communication, support for baiting programs and real on-the-ground assistance.
“Our farmers need action, and they need it now.”
ENDS
