Latest Articles

For previous years’ media releases, please visit the Media release archive.

National Fruit Fly Council appoints new manager

November 25, 2021

Plant Health Australia (PHA) and Hort Innovation are proud to announce that Stuart Burgess has been appointed as the new manager of the National Fruit Fly Council (NFFC).

Stuart brings professional expertise in industry leadership in trade and biosecurity related programs with wide ranging experience in whole of industry leadership, management, and development at national, state and business levels, across a broad spectrum of government, industry and commercial sectors. More

Three strategic pillars to ensure PHA meets vision by 2027

November 24, 2021

PHA’s new Strategic Plan 2022 –27 sets the company’s direction for the next five years and considers the challenges and opportunities that may present in the near future.

A strong and resilient plant biosecurity system is built on connected strategies and partnerships, effective and efficient response and recovery, and leveraged data and technology for improved decision-making and rapid response to biosecurity threats. More

Message from the CEO November 2021

November 15, 2021

Quite a lot has happened in the last month with detections of the exotic beetle, polyphagous shot-hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) in Western Australia and the exotic moth, mango shoot looper (Perixera illepidaria) in Queensland, eDNA technology deployed with frontline biosecurity officersa new traceability pilot project for high-value exports and expressions of interests for the Biosecurity Innovation Program. More

PHA Board meeting 104

November 15, 2021

The Plant Health Australia (PHA) Board met virtually on the 29 and 30 September for Board Meeting 104. The meeting was originally planned as a face-to-face meeting in Darwin, Northern Territory, but couldn’t go ahead due to COVID-19 travel restrictions across several parts of Australia. More

Victorian Industry Liaison training delivered

November 11, 2021

PHA and Agriculture Victoria delivered training on 4 October, as part of the Industry Liaison (IL) training program. Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions, the workshop was delivered virtually over two sessions.

The workshop was attended by government and industry bodies including AUSVEG, Australian Sweet Potato Growers, Australian Table Grapes Association, Citrus Australia, Bunnings and representatives from honey bees, almonds and forestry. More

PHA CEO recognised at this year’s Australian Biosecurity Awards

November 10, 2021

The strength and innovation of Australia’s biosecurity system was on full display at the 2021 Australian Biosecurity Awards

Plant Health Australia’s (PHA) CEO, Sarah Corcoran was presented the Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation. Now in its second year, the award honours the contributions of the late Dr Kim Ritman, by recognising outstanding ambassadors for science and innovation. More