DAFF - Biosecurity Matters Edition 4, 2024

Friday, December 13, 2024

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Biosecurity Matters
Edition 4, 2024

Stay up to date with the latest biosecurity news and updates in Edition 4 of Biosecurity Matters!

In this issue, discover the vital role our biosecurity officers play in safeguarding Australia's agricultural industries, animals, plants, and the health and wellbeing of our nation. Learn how you can join the team dedicated to protecting Australia's future.

Read about an upcoming project to integrate imported food and safety requirements into BICON (Biosecurity Import Conditions System). Find out about our digital declaration pilot program for travellers coming to Australia, and much more!
 

Become a biosecurity officer protecting Australia's future

Every day our biosecurity team members make a meaningful impact safeguarding our way of life, protecting our agricultural industries, animals, plants and the health and wellbeing of our country.

As a biosecurity officer, you'll contribute to the vital role of preventing harmful pests and diseases from crossing our border and establishing within Australia.
Read more

Declaration pilot eases biosecurity arrival process for travellers coming to Australia

Travel between New Zealand and Australia has taken a digital turn on selected flights, thanks to a new digital travel declaration pilot process in October.

Eligible passengers can now submit their Australia Travel Declaration up to 72 hours before their journey. By providing their declarations electronically, low-risk and compliant travellers can enjoy faster biosecurity and customs clearances upon arrival.
Read more


Uninvited guests: The hitchhiker pest awareness initiative

We recently concluded the Hitchhiker Pest Awareness campaign: I'm in the business of biosecurity. Its goal was to raise awareness to help protect Australia's agriculture, economy, and way of life from invasive pests that can enter our country via shipping containers and imported goods.
Read more


Increased measures to address non-compliance effectively and proportionately

 
To uphold Australia's high biosecurity standards, over the past year we have ramped up our enforcement response to non-compliance. Recent updates to the Biosecurity Act include additional measures to address non-compliance more effectively.
Read more


How local vets can help in Emergency Animal Disease outbreaks

Emergency Animal Disease outbreaks can seriously threaten Australia's agriculture, export industries, and wildlife.

A quick and informed response is crucial, and while government and industry follow well-practiced processes to respond to EADs, local veterinarians also play a vital role. Their expertise and connections in the community are key to effective outbreak management.
Read more

Inclusion of imported food and safety requirements into BICON

Our Biosecurity Import Conditions systems (BICON) was built by the department to manage biosecurity import conditions for over 20,000 products, including plant, animal, mineral, and biological goods.

We are working on a project to incorporate food safety requirements into BICON. This aims to make BICON the single source of information for imported food.
Read more


Exciting new chapter for Indigenous Biosecurity Trainees

Last month, five new Indigenous Biosecurity Trainees embarked on a promising journey as they began a two-year traineeship with the Indigenous Ranger Biosecurity Program. 

This traineeship provides First Nations candidates with opportunities for roles in biosecurity or other positions in the department.
Read more


Strengthening Australia's Biosecurity: The DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap

Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030, first published in 2021, has been refreshed to better align with the current strategic and operating environment for the department.

Now titled DAFF Biosecurity 2030 Roadmap, it acknowledges the pivotal role we play and ensures our strategic goals and priorities remain contemporary to the changing needs and priorities of the national biosecurity system.
Read more

2024 Australian Biosecurity Award winners announced

The winners of the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards were announced at a ceremony at Australian Parliament House on 25 November 2024. Twelve winners across 9 categories were honoured, including 2 inaugural winners of the First Nations Award for Biosecurity Excellence.
Read more


Insights into challenges and triumphs of NAQS

Senior Plant Pathologist, Richard Davis, along with colleagues from the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy team and two key overseas collaborators, have recently published an article in the CSIRO special edition of Historical Records of Australian Science.

This special issue offers a glimpse into NAQS's challenges, triumphs, and ongoing efforts to ensure the protection of Australia's agricultural landscape.
Read more
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