Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) - Change the Act

The petition of the undersigned Residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:

• Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), while attractive in appearance, poses a serious threat to Tasmania's environment, spreading through wind, water, contaminated soil, garden waste, bumblebee pollination, wildlife dispersal, and transport by vehicle and machinery movement.

• It displaces native plants and impacts wildlife habitat, while its toxic properties present risks to people, livestock and native animals. 

• As a result of the community parliamentary petition, (petition no. 99, sponsored by the Tasmanian Greens) signed by over 1,700 Tasmanians, together with the tireless advocacy of community members through the Tasmanian Foxglove Facebook, the Government has taken action to manage foxglove through biosecurity controls and targeted declarations under the Biosecurity Act 2019. 

• These changes are a positive step forward and demonstrate the power of community advocacy, but they do not go far enough on their own.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to call on the Government to:

• Seek further amendments to the Biosecurity Act 2019 to create an additional management zone beyond the current regulated areas and ensure responsibility for foxglove control extends to all affected land. This should include powers for Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) to issue notices requiring landowners and land managers to control foxglove infestations on their properties, with penalties available where reasonable action isn't taken. 
• Ensure there is ongoing funding, public education, and coordinated weed management programs to effectively tackle the spread of foxglove and protect Tasmania's natural environment for future generations.