There is currently a call for submissions to a Senate Inquiry for the potential impacts of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) on the health of Australians, as well as costs. - see https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_and_Transport/FireAnts). 

The call for submissions was due to close on 1 December 2023, but this has now been extended to 29 January 2024.

RIFA have the potential to have a devastating environmental and health impact if they are allowed to spread across Australia. RIFA are very aggressive, and commonly cause sensitisation in those who are stung.  Their stings can cause large local allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. They have largely been contained to outbreaks in Queensland, but they were reported to have recently crossed into New South Wales.

In reponse to the Inquiry, the National Allergy Centre of Excellence NACE has lodged a detailed submission and an ASCIA submission has also been lodged on 1 December 2023, which can be viewed at https://www.allergy.org.au/ascia-submissions. 

This news item was issued on 6 December 2023 by Jill Smith, CEO of ASCIA, the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.