Biosecurity innovators gather in Canberra

Biosecurity stakeholders from across Australia and New Zealand joined forces in Canberra to share ideas about innovative technologies and approaches to enhance each countries’ biosecurity system on 8 March 2018.

Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said the inaugural Biosecurity Innovation Exchange was an opportunity for collaboration between two countries who are at the forefront of biosecurity.

“Australia has a strong, world-class biosecurity system, but increasing trade and passenger movements, as well as more complex supply chains, present some challenges,” Ms O’Connell said.

“Through innovation, science and research we can continue to be world leaders in biosecurity – and the best way for us to harness these opportunities is to collaborate with other countries who share our innovative biosecurity vision.

Australia has already taken innovative steps to improve the nation’s biosecurity, with the Maritime Arrival Reporting System (MARS) streamlining biosecurity processes for international vessels and the Plant Innovation Centre boosting Australia’s capabilities to manage significant plant pest threats.

The exchange included keynote presentations on innovation, the future of biosecurity in Australia and the New Zealand biosecurity innovation model. There will also be individual sessions themed around Australia’s National Biosecurity Research, Development and Extension Priorities, including data, intelligence and general surveillance and the innovative technologies and approaches that can help us to work smarter in these areas.