Welcome to the second edition of Tendrils for 2025. I am excited to share important updates and highlight upcoming events as we embark on another dynamic year in plant biosecurity.

In encouraging news, the proposed Biosecurity Protection Levy has been withdrawn from Parliament, with the government fully removing the measure from the Senate after strong opposition from the agriculture industry. The decision underscores collective efforts and ongoing commitment to a resilient agricultural industry.

Growers are our frontline defence in protecting Australia’s plant industries against pests and diseases. By staying vigilant and promptly reporting any unusual signs, they help mitigate the impact of potential biosecurity threats. The early detection of Australia’s top priority plant pests such as Xylella fastidiosa and Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) supports swift action to prevent its establishment, while timely alerts strengthen vigilance efforts. Response activities are currently underway to manage BMSB detections in New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia (WA). Updated emergency measures to manage Xylella were recently issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry after determining Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella) is present in mainland China. As a result, China is now considered to be a high-risk country for Xylella.

The PHA Board is currently convened in Tasmania for a Board Meeting #118. The agenda includes various meetings and visits to an apple production facility, the nation’s largest berry producer, a leading seedling grower, Botanical Resources Australia and Biosecurity Tasmania. These visits are designed to deepen engagement and build awareness of local biosecurity challenges and opportunities. Later this week, our second National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network’s (NPBDN) virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop (vADW) 2024-25 will take place, focussing on plant mycology. The webinar has an exciting line-up of local and international speakers, and I encourage you to keep an eye out for future webinars.

Chris O’Connor, ePHAC Manager, recently represented PHA at the 2025 Greenlife Industry Australia Conference in Brisbane where he introduced the Electronic Plant Health Assurance Certificate (ePHAC). Chris highlighted how digital certification can streamline plant health assurance, improve compliance with biosecurity regulations, and provide a more efficient framework for managing and verifying plant health.

In March I will be attending the Directors Australia Breakfast in Canberra, centered around the theme What boards should be focusing on in 2025. The event offers a valuable opportunity for high-level networking and strategic discussion.

Moreover, please join me in congratulating Dr Laurence Mound on his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia at the 2025 Australia Day Awards, recognised for his distinguished service to scientific research into the identification and biology of plant feeding insects. Congratulations also go to Jodie Goldsworthy for her significant service to primary industry, particularly the honey bee and pollination sector and being admitted as a Member of the Order of Australia.

Looking further ahead, we have exciting conferences on the horizon. PHA will attend the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin as a Silver sponsor from 8 – 9 April in Darwin, Northern Territory. We are also looking forward to attending Hort Connections in Brisbane from 4 – 6 June. These events are excellent platforms to further our collective knowledge, network, and drive innovation in biosecurity.

Thank you for your continued dedication to strengthening Australia’s biosecurity. I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events and working together to achieve a sustainable future.

Regards

Sarah Corcoran