M.P. Backs Bill To Ban Myxomatosis (Press, 1 May 1986)

On 1 May 1986, Mr Neil Morrison, the Democratic member of Parliament for Pakuranga, announced his intention to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at banning the disease myxomatosis. This decision comes in response to the Government's consideration of reintroducing the disease, which has raised significant concerns among various stakeholders. Mr Morrison expressed his dismay at the Government's shift in stance, stating that he was “appalled” by the move. The Under-Secretary of Agriculture, Mr Butcher, had indicated earlier in the week that the Government was responding to a request from the Agricultural Pest Destruction Council. The council believed that reintroducing myxomatosis would serve as a cost-effective method to manage and reduce the rabbit population to levels that would be easier to control. However, Mr Morrison strongly disagrees with this approach, characterising it as a “cheap quick-fix solution.” He highlighted the inhumane nature of the disease and questioned its long-term effectiveness. Furthermore, he raised concerns that myxomatosis could pose risks to other species and the broader ecological system. Mr Morrison noted that his bill had been prepared for several months but had faced delays due to legislative blockages caused by other bills, notably the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. With Mr Butcher's recent announcement regarding myxomatosis, Mr Morrison felt a renewed sense of urgency and committed to introducing his bill at the earliest opportunity.

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