Australia celebrated the first-ever National Biosecurity Week from 26 – 30 August this year. The landmark initiative aimed to raise awareness and educate the community on the importance of biosecurity in safeguarding the nation’s environment, agricultural industry, and economy.  

Australia is free of many pests and diseases that impact other countries, such as foot-and-mouth disease and certain fruit flies, thanks to its rigorous biosecurity measures. The country’s geographic isolation provides an advantage, but it also increases the responsibility to prevent biosecurity threats that could severely impact the economy, environment, and even human health. 

Agriculture is one of the most vulnerable sectors. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Australia exports around 70% of its agricultural products. A breach in biosecurity could not only devastate local crops and livestock but also undermine Australia’s ability to trade internationally.  

Led by PHA in partnership with Animal Health Australia (AHA), NBW is an initiative of the Decade of Biosecurity (DoB) with the support of the DoB partners. 

Key industry players, including the National Farmers Federation (NFF), Invasive Species Council, Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, Freight Trade Alliance (FTA), National Resource Management (NRM), Landcare Australia, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD WA), hosted a series of events and social media campaigns across Australia. These activities targeted a broad audience, including farmers, travellers, and the community, encouraging them to take active roles in safeguarding biosecurity. Project partners also worked with Disrupt Radio, a contextual digital radio network, to deliver editorial interviews broadcasted during the campaign.  

Looking ahead, National Biosecurity Week is expected to become a cornerstone of biosecurity education and advocacy in Australia. With increasing challenges posed by climate change, global travel, and international trade, the focus on biosecurity will only intensify. The success of this inaugural event will set the stage for continued public engagement and innovation in biosecurity practices.  

As the week unfolded, the message was clear: biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and proactive action today will secure Australia’s future for generations to come.