Dr Lucy Tran-Nguyen, General Manager, Resilience and Innovation, and Simon Morgan, National Manager, Digital Systems, represented PHA at the Safe Trade Annual Partners workshop hosted by CSIRO in Hobart in late October.

The workshop brought together jurisdictions, partners and industry to review progress, conduct a mid-term assessment, and set a vision and roadmap for future collaboration. Discussions focused on digital platforms for pest risk management, data sharing innovations such as AUSPestCheck® containers, and adapting Electronic Plant Health Assurance Certification (ePHAC) to support trade and certification.

Participants also visited orchards in Tasmania’s Huon Valley. At Smiths Organic Apples, owner Andrew Smith shared how constant surveillance helps maintain organic status. At Hansens Orchards, Howard Hansen highlighted large-scale operations and robust systems to remain pest free.

These insights reinforce the importance of collaboration and technology in safeguarding Australia’s plant industries.