Australia’s national biosecurity system: ready when it matters the most

Australia has a strong national biosecurity system that works to protect our environment, agricultural industries, communities and economy. Keeping Australia free of exotic pests and diseases is an ongoing effort, but our national frameworks ensure we can respond quickly, reducing the impact on your property so you can return to business as soon as possible. 

The national biosecurity system operates at three key levels: overseas, at our borders, and within Australia. understanding how the national biosecurity works can help you prepare for potential threats and know what to expect if a pest or disease is found.   

Overseas and at the border  

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry works to minimise the likelihood of pests and diseases entering the country pre-border and at the border. They coordinate national biosecurity policy to reduce the risk of pest entry into Australia and carry out quarantine inspections at the border. 

Pre-border activities undertaken in Australia and overseas include: 

• undertaking risk analyses on the likelihood of imported goods hosting exotic pests and diseases 

• issuing import approvals to companies and individuals who have met our import requirements 

• developing international standards that our trading partners must maintain when importing goods into Australia 

• gathering intelligence on global pests that require monitoring 

• working with our trading partners to develop agreements to allow our producers to export their goods to international markets. 

At border activities undertaken at Australian ports and other authorised quarantine premises include: 

• inspecting and, if needed, treating goods, equipment and vehicles entering the country for unwanted pests and diseases 

• inspecting people and their luggage for unauthorised goods and those that may be carrying unwanted pests and diseases 

• prioritising exotic pests with targeted inspection and monitoring activities 

• educating incoming passengers about the importance of biosecurity. 

Biosecurity within Australia 

Even with strong border protections, pests and diseases can still slip through. All Australians have a legal obligation to report potential biosecurity risks. Catching a pest or disease early, can help stop the spread, and increase the chances of containment and eradication. 

Activities undertaken within Australian borders include: 

• ongoing surveillance for pests and diseases 

• movement restrictions on high risk material to stop the spread of pests and diseases 

• preparing for a biosecurity emergency through education and planning 

• an agreed national coordination strategy when responding to pest and disease incursions. 

What happens if a biosecurity emergency occurs?  

For producers, a biosecurity response can involve additional measures to protect industries and markets, including movement controls, enhanced surveillance or temporary restrictions.   

In Australia, national agreements are in place to ensure a rapid, coordinated response to eradicate or contain a pest or disease before it can become established.  

These agreements outline how decisions are made, who is involved, and how response costs are shared.  

There are three national biosecurity response agreements in Australia: 

• The Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). The Australian government, all state and territory governments, and peak plant industries are signatories. The EPPRD covers exotic insects, mites, pathogens (disease), nematodes and snails that have potential to impact on our crop, bee, and edible fungi industries. Plant Health Australia is the custodian. 

• The Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA): The Australian government, all state and territory governments and peak animal industries are signatories. The EADRA covers diseases that have a significant impact on livestock. Animal Health Australia is the custodian. 

• The National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) is an agreement amongst government signatories and covers pests that impact our environment and way of life. Non-government entities may participate in incidents covered by the NEBRA on an incident-by-incident basis, subject to the requirements of the agreement. The custodian is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 

Understanding these response arrangements helps producers know what to expect if a biosecurity incident affects their industry.  

What you can do now 

Our national biosecurity system is only as strong as the people who help protect it.  

Here are some practical steps you can take now to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system and safeguard your property: 

• Prepare a biosecurity plan for your property. 

• Know your risk – learn about the priority pests and diseases that could affect your property. Contact your industry body to find out more about industry-specific biosecurity guides and alerts.  

• Monitor your property – early detection is key. Regularly check your crops, livestock and property for signs of pests and diseases. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately: 

• Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881 

• Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline: 1800 675 888 

• Find out more about on-farm biosecurity measures for crops and livestock.  

• Find out more about emergency plant pest responses and emergency animal disease responses. 

This article was developed as part of PHA’s Industry Resource Toolkit to help Plant Industry Members educate their members about the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).