On 19 September 2012, the Senate agreed that the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 29 November 2012:

The effect on Australian ginger growers of importing fresh ginger from Fiji, including:

(a) the scientific basis on which the provisional final import risk analysis report regarding the importation of fresh ginger has been developed;

(b) the adequacy of the pest risk assessments contained in the provisional final import risk analysis report for fresh ginger from Fiji;

(c) the risk and consequences of the importation resulting possibly in the introduction of pest species or diseases and soil-borne diseases;

(d) the adequacy of the quarantine conditions recommended by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and

(e) any other related matter.