On Wednesday 29 April 2026, Plant Health Australia (PHA) delivered the first Industry Liaison Officer (ILO) Training for 2026 in Mildura, Victora. Hosted in one of the state’s most productive agricultural regions, with a gross economic value of 1.1 billion, the location maximised access for participants from a diverse range of industries.

The training was delivered in partnership with Agriculture Victoria (AgVic) and was attended by 30 participants representing 10 peak industry bodies, along with observers from AgVic and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The ILO workshop forms part of the National Emergency Plant Pest (EPP) Training Program delivered by PHA. Designed to prepare individuals to undertake the role of an ILO during a plant biosecurity response, the training supports effective communication and coordination between government agencies and peak industry bodies.

Through participation in the workshop, industry representatives gained practical knowledge of incident management structures, developed a clearer understanding of the responsibilities of an ILO during a response, and built the skills needed to support effective industry engagement in emergency situations.

The training also provided an opportunity for attendees to strengthen networks with government representatives and industry peers, helping to build stronger partnerships ahead of future responses.

The next ILO Training will be held in

• Bundaberg, Queensland: Tuesday, 18 August 2026
• Darwin, Northern Territory: Thursday, 15 October 2026

If your industry has a membership/grower base around Darwin or Bundaberg, we encourage you to identify potential ILOs to undertake the training.

For more information on the ILO Training, please contact PHA’s Learning and Development Team at training@phau.com.au.