Media Release | 3 August 2026
Lachlan Hunter MLA
Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food
The Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Food, Lachlan Hunter MP, has called on the Cook Labor Government to provide certainty to Western Australia’s poultry industry as the threat of H5 avian influenza grows.
“Western Australia’s poultry industry has worked hard to strengthen biosecurity and prepare for the threat of bird flu, but producers still do not have answers to some critical questions,” Mr Hunter said.
“Preparedness is not just about responding to an outbreak. It is about ensuring producers know exactly what will happen before one occurs. With such a disease, things can change overnight.”
Mr Hunter said industry participants need a clear understanding of the circumstances under which mandatory housing orders may be considered in Western Australia.
“At present, there are no mandatory housing orders in place anywhere in Australia. However, if avian influenza were detected in a commercial poultry operation, producers deserve to know what thresholds would trigger a housing order and how that decision would be made.
“The industry cannot be left guessing. Farmers need certainty so they can make informed operational and investment decisions now.”
Mr Hunter said the Cook Labor Government should seek urgent clarification from the ACCC on free range egg labelling following the expiry of interim guidance.
“Free-range producers need confidence that if birds are required to be temporarily housed for biosecurity reasons, they will not be unfairly penalised in the marketplace.
“Without updated guidance, producers face unnecessary commercial uncertainty at a time when their focus should be on protecting animal welfare and maintaining biosecurity.”
Mr Hunter said the recent confirmation of local transmission in wild bird populations in South Australia highlighted the need for Western Australia to have clear arrangements in place before the situation escalates further.
“The spread of H5 avian influenza in wildlife on the mainland demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change. Western Australia has an opportunity to get ahead of the issue by providing producers with clear protocols, clear expectations and clear communication.
“Our poultry industry is vital to Western Australia’s food security and regional economy. Producers deserve certainty that the Government has not only a response plan, but a plan that industry understands.”
ENDS
