As I look back on the first month of the new financial year and reflect on the four-year anniversary of my appointment as CEO of Plant Health Australia (PHA), it is apparent the biosecurity landscape continues to constantly evolve with dynamic challenges and opportunities. Within PHA over the past four years, we’ve transformed the way we operate to meet this changing landscape while holding steadfast in our focus on building relationships for the benefit of the Australian plant biosecurity system.

With this continued focus on connected strategies and partnerships, PHA has made significant inroads in strengthening government and industry partnerships to ensure a collective vision and a united purpose to enhance our biosecurity capability and ensure the plant biosecurity system is resilient and future-focused.

Another positive change according to the ABARES’ June forecast, is the gross value of agricultural production is forecast to rise by 2% to $84 billion in 2024–25. A positive winter rainfall is also expected to support crop yields with the gross value of crop production forecast to rise by $730 million. As part of the agricultural statistics modernisation program, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), ABARES, government and industry groups have partnered to ensure the collection of statistics is contemporary. Read more about this partnership and the new agricultural data collection methods on the ABS website.

The National Farmers Federation’s Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program is designed to support agricultural industry transformation with a 2030 inclusivity target. The program focuses on young and emerging leaders in agriculture to develop leadership skills and provide direct experience in policy development, advocacy, governance, and communications and media. This year, I’m proud to support the program by mentoring Jenny Crema who is part of the 2024 cohort. Jenny works with her husband to grow bananas and sugar cane on their third generation farms in Tully, North Queensland and is also the founding member of the Australian Banana Women’s Network.

Another initiative aimed at empowering women in rural and emerging industries is the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards (RWA). This month the state and territory winners will pitch their ideas to the National Selection Panel with the national winner due to be announced in August. The RWA provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women and recognises the crucial role women play in rural industries, businesses, and communities.

Also in August, we’ll explore the power of women in shaping Australia’s biosecurity landscape through a panel discussion at the 3^rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium. Set for day one of the Symposium, I’ll be joined by Justine Saunders (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry); Brigid Price (Price Cattle Company), Kathleen Plowman (Biosecurity strategist, change agent and leader), Shakira Johnson (AUSVEG) and Callum Fletcher (Grains Research and Development Corporation) as we unpack the challenges and opportunities for women in biosecurity. Costa Georgiadis is back as our MC, with presentations from a range of speakers including keynote speakers including Adam Ferrier and Chaddon Hunter. Don’t miss out and register online.

Congratulations to The Hon. Julie Collins on her appointment as the new Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. We look forward to our continued engagement on plant biosecurity priorities.

We are deeply saddened by the recent passing of a great woman and former PHA Board Director, Elizabeth Alexander (Liz). Liz was a valued PHA Board Director from November 2013 to September 2021, serving two terms and contributing enormously to our Board meetings, strategy, and culture. Her insights and dedication to improving Australia’s plant biosecurity were greatly appreciated. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this time.