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Invasive species to face Senate microscope

Stopping invasive and environmentally damaging species of plants, animals and pathogens from entering Australia is to be the topic of a Senate inquiry.

The inquiry, on Friday, will be told the country's defences against invasive species are failing, with biodiversity and the environment paying the price.

Leading authorities on biosecurity, the environment, animal and plant health, wet tropics and agriculture will give evidence and discuss measures to bolster defences.

According to the Invasive Species Council, Australia is home to more than half of the world's 100 worst invasive species, and new critters are regularly arriving.