Plant industries push for action on biosecurity reform
The Plant Industry Forum Committee (PIFC) has called for practical action to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system in its submission to the Australian Government’s National Biosecurity Reform Agenda.
Representing the plant industry members of Plant Health Australia, with a combined annual value exceeding $60 billion, the submission identifies five priorities: preparedness, operational capability, sustainable funding, emergency response, and workforce capability.
PIFC Chair Nathan Hancock said national reform must address the capability gaps that continue to affect preparedness, surveillance and response.
“Many of these problems have been identified before. Plant industries want to see reform deliver practical improvements on the ground, not another round of strategies and governance frameworks without the capability and funding needed to support them,” Mr Hancock said.
The submission calls for greater consistency between jurisdictions, nationally agreed minimum preparedness capabilities, improved data sharing and investment in surveillance, diagnostics and workforce development.
It also highlights the substantial contribution plant industries already make. PIF members have invested approximately $33 million in cost-shared emergency responses over more than 10 years, in addition to industry levies, preparedness programs and significant in-kind support.
“Growers and industries are already investing heavily in Australia’s biosecurity system,” Mr Hancock said.
“Future funding arrangements must recognise the public benefit of strong biosecurity, as well as the role of activities that create or increase biosecurity risk.”
The submission also argues that reform must extend beyond 2032, with long-term investment needed to keep pace with changing trade, travel, production systems and pest pathways. PIF has also launched a new website, providing a central place to learn about the Forum, its members and committee, read its latest news, and access policy positions and submissions.
“The website will make the Forum’s work more visible and give plant industries and biosecurity partners a clearer view of the issues we are progressing together,” Mr Hancock said.