The risk of a biosecurity incursion in Australia is growing due to a range of factors, including climate change, new trade pathways and increased international movements.
One way we are tackling these challenges is through the implementation of the Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 strategic roadmap and associated action plans.
The second of our annual action plans – Biosecurity Action Plan 2023 – was released by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt on 5 April 2023 at the National Biosecurity Forum.
The 2023 Action Plan highlights strategic actions for the upcoming year. These include:
- lifting our national preparedness, response and resilience to exotic pests and disease incursions
- investing in a highly skilled and responsive workforce
- aligning our funding and investment model to emerging system needs.
The action plan also highlights the progress that has been made across a range of activities over the past year.
It includes case studies of vital biosecurity work, including an operation to target illegal imports of biosecurity risk food.
In his speech, Minister Watt said that it was clear our biosecurity system is under more strain than ever.
“Protecting our national assets and industries requires a forward-looking, multilayered response involving strong offshore and onshore biosecurity measures, improved surveillance activities and investment in new and innovative tools to manage and detect biosecurity risks.” Minister Watt said.
You can read the Biosecurity Action Plan 2023 on our website.
