The biosecurity risk landscape is constantly being reshaped due to emerging technologies, shifting global trade patterns, geopolitical events and changing pest and disease behaviours. To stay ahead of these challenges, Australia works closely with international partners to share knowledge and strengthen the ways we deal with these risks.
In August this year, Australia hosted the Quarantine Regulators Meeting (QRM), which brought together representatives from 72 countries in a virtual forum. The forum, with record participation this year, focused on strengthening biosecurity cooperation around the globe.
The theme of this year’s QRM was Biosecurity beyond borders: strengthening regulatory resilience in an evolving risk landscape. Over 3 days, participants explored topics including:
- building biosecurity resilience
- managing biosecurity risk in a changing environment
- digitisation and paperless trade
- biosecurity treatment technologies and methodologies
- designing for compliance: considering strategic human behaviour in regulation
- future focused regulation.
The program also featured a panel session on the future of fumigation monitoring technology and an interactive peer exchange session exploring futures work.
The key outcomes were that participants:
- shared ideas and practical approaches to managing biosecurity risks
- strengthened relationships across the international biosecurity network
- reaffirmed a shared commitment to addressing biosecurity challenges together.
The event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in collectively addressing biosecurity challenges. It also supported the goals of key international organisations, including the World Organisation for Animal Health, the International Plant Protection Convention, the World Trade Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Australia is recognised as a global leader in biosecurity risk management. Through initiatives such as the QRM, we’re working proactively to identify emerging risks, share regulatory expertise and develop innovative approaches that keep Australia’s biosecurity system strong and future-ready.
