Welcome to our second last edition of Tendrils for 2024! 

PHA consistently prioritises building a dynamic and resilient plant biosecurity system through integrated strategies and strong partnerships. Earlier this month Katherine Delbridge, CEO of the Australian Seed Federation, and I participated in an AgForce Queensland podcast called Yarns from the Paddock, about the importance of strong biosecurity partnerships to protect our agricultural industries. We discussed what’s working well, the pressing threats to our biosecurity system, and areas that could be simplified to improve compliance and support. Listen to the podcast.  

A special acknowledgment goes to PHA’s Emergency Plant Pest Response team, who dedicated over 520 hours in recent months to managing incursions. Their efforts have supported responses to seasonal incursions of exotic fruit flies in the Torres Strait and the transition to management for Varroa destructor. Additionally, they have supported nationally cost-shared responses, including Banana freckle and Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, and are engaged in discussion on the investment required for managing Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). 

I am immensely proud of Jenny Crema, a banana and sugarcane grower from Tully, North Queensland, for her successful completion of the 2024 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program, facilitated by the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF). It was an honour to mentor Jenny as part of this program, which is dedicated to fostering the skills needed for future leadership roles. This achievement highlights our continued commitment to promoting a more inclusive and diverse future in agriculture—a milestone truly worth celebrating. 

A huge congratulations to Dr Brian Thistleton, Principal Entomologist in the Plant Biosecurity team of the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, for winning the prestigious 2024 Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in the Public Sector. Over his remarkable 22-year career in NT Entomology, Brian has led his team in delivering exceptional diagnostic services to industry and the community, while playing a key role in developing several national diagnostic protocols. This well-deserved recognition celebrates his incredible contributions and dedication to biosecurity excellence.  

Furthermore, PHA met with Dr Michele Allan AO who leads the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) Review that is due in January 2025. PHA highlighted the need for sustainable funding, a framework for managing non-eradicable pests, a science-based risk approach, and enhanced digital systems for biosecurity intelligence.  

Our Member meetings are just around the corner, taking place on 26–27 November, both in-person and online. I look forward to connecting with you then. Following these meetings, the PHA Board will convene on Thursday, 28 November. 

The PHA team has seen some recent changes and we are delighted to welcome Dominique Doyle as Acting Chief Financial Officer. This month, we also bid farewell to Kathryn Pagler, Bee Biosecurity Coordinator, Ashley Thomson, Governance Coordinator, and Gavin Edwards, Project Officer. You can read more about these updates in the Staff Movement section of Tendrils. 

As we approach the end of 2024, the PHA team remains committed to advancing our strategic and operational priorities. Please note that our office will close for the festive season on Friday, 20 December, and will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2025.