The ninth Annual Diagnostician’s Workshop held in Brisbane on 3 and 4 March 2020 brought together diagnosticians from Australia and New Zealand to share their current diagnostic activities and experiences.

The 84 attendees represented 19 organisations including all jurisdictions, the Australian Government, the New Zealand Ministry of Primary Industries, Scion Research, CSIRO, Sugar Research Australia, multiple universities and PHA.

Dr Natalie O’Donnell, PHA’s Diagnostics and Surveillance Network Coordinator, said the annual event plays an important role in strengthening the capability of and connection between members of the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN).

“Our theme for the 2020 workshop was ‘Over the Horizon – pests and tests’,” said Natalie.

“This theme was reflected in NPBDN member talks, diagnostic residential reports, and the panel and workshop sessions.”

“Attendees were provided with updates on activities being carried out nationally, such as the review of the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Strategy and the Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests.”

“They also had the opportunity to learn about what their surveillance counterparts are developing regarding protocols and standards.”

Natalie was pleased to see that there was an increase in attendees this year.

“Multiple organisations provided added financial support to allow more of their staff to attend this year’s workshop,” she said.

The Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment provided funding for the workshop.