Senator LAZARUS (Queensland—Leader of the Glenn Lazarus Team) (12:29): I move: That the Senate— (a) recognises the damaging impact of yellow crazy ants in northern Queensland on: (i) rainforests, including a 60 hectare World Heritage Area within an 800 hectare infestation south of Cairns, (ii) ecotourism, (iii) farming, including the infestation of 230 hectare of sugarcane, (iv) Australian wildlife and pets, including many endangered species endemic to northern Queensland rainforests, (v) the health of residents, including the risk of temporary blindness if sprayed in the eye with formic acid, (vi) the safety of schools, (vii) the liveability of the region, and (viii) property values; and (b) calls on the Government to urgently commit funding to the Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program to fund it for 3 years past June 2016. I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator LAZARUS: I have travelled through Cairns and the region and have walked deep into the rainforests, and I have seen firsthand the damage yellow crazy ants are doing to our environment, our wildlife, the lives of people and the value of our properties. These little but mighty dangerous ants run fast, spit acid, travel in huge clumps and destroy everything in their path. They blind large animals, destroy our habitat and cause blindness in people. Unless the pest is eradicated it is going to cause further unbelievable damage to our country. I appreciate that they sound like a small problem but, when you see the damage that these ants cause, you will realise the extent of the problem. This is what happens with many introduced pests. The destruction is not recognised until it is on our doorstep and too late to stop. The ants can and must be eradicated, and a small amount of federal funding from 1 July 2016 will do this. I would also like to acknowledge the amazing work of Lucy Karger and Frank Teodo in fighting this cause. You are extraordinary Australians.