The Albanese Labor Government congratulates the winners of the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards which were announced today, recognising Australians who help make our biosecurity system world-class.
The awards celebrate 12 winners across 9 categories, including science and innovation, First Nations leadership, farm biosecurity, industry, government, community and education.
Among the award winners were the Djelk Women Rangers, recognised for undertaking nationally significant surveillance of migratory shorebirds along one of Australia’s most important biosecurity frontiers in northern Australia.
Wildlife Health Australia was recognised for strengthening Australia’s preparedness for highly pathogenic avian influenza through its extensive wildlife health network.
The awards also honoured Kevin Cooper, who has spent more than four decades shaping Australia’s biosecurity emergency response capability, and Professor Caroline Mohammed, an internationally recognised plant pathologist whose research has strengthened Australia’s plant health and biosecurity capability.
The achievements of all award winners demonstrate the critical role individuals, communities and organisations play in maintaining Australia’s world-leading biosecurity system and protecting our agriculture, environment and way of life.
At today’s awards the Government launched the Australian Biosecurity Research Hub, providing a national research discovery tool to connect researchers and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Visit biosecurity-research-hub.org.au to learn more.
The Albanese Labor Government will never compromise on biosecurity. Since coming into Government, we have committed more than $2 billion in additional resourcing to Australia’s biosecurity system.
