2025 marked a significant year for Plant Health Australia (PHA), with progress across coordination, preparedness and engagement that continued to strengthen Australia’s plant biosecurity system.

In April, PHA celebrated 25 years of coordination, innovation and leadership. Since our establishment in 2000, PHA has worked across industry, government and research sectors to coordinate national efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to plant pest threats, supporting growers and protecting environments to maintain market access at home and abroad.

International Day of Plant Health on 12 May provided an important platform to highlight the vital role of plant health within the broader One Health framework. The 2025 theme underlined the interconnected nature of human, animal and ecosystem health. On the day our CEO, Sarah Corcoran, spoke at the official opening of the Australian Research Council Training Centre (ARC) in Plant Biosecurity, emphasising the critical work of training the next generation of biosecurity professionals.

The second National Biosecurity Week returned from 25–31 August with a renewed focus on the everyday actions that support biosecurity across communities, industries and supply chains. The week highlighted the importance of community awareness and reinforced how biosecurity is about safeguarding our food systems, environment and way of life.

Throughout the year, PHA engaged directly with industry and stakeholders through key events, including the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin, and Hort Connections in Brisbane. These events provided valuable opportunities to share plant health resources, connect with growers and industry leaders, and bring the biosecurity message to a larger targeted audience.

2025 also marked a significant step forward in PHA’s digital engagement. In May, AUSPestCheck® officially recorded more than 10 million pest surveillance records. Our social media channels continued to grow steadily throughout the year, with LinkedIn in particular exceeding growth expectations. This growth has improved our ability to share timely biosecurity information, highlight Member activity, and support consistent engagement across the broader biosecurity community. The growth reflects a strong appetite for trusted, practical biosecurity content and reinforces the value of social media as a key channel for awareness, connection and influence.

Surveillance and preparedness remained key priorities. During the year, PHA shared outstanding outcomes from the National Forest Pest Surveillance Program and worked alongside industry partners to launch targeted resources like an updated Khapra beetle factsheet for the grains sector. These activities strengthen awareness of priority plant pest threats to aid early detection.

Across the year, we also acknowledged leadership and contributions within the biosecurity community through our sponsorship of the Australian Biosecurity Awards. Recognition of award finalists and long-serving industry leaders reminded us that biosecurity success is built through sustained effort and shared vision.

Looking ahead, the work undertaken in 2025 provides a solid foundation for activities planning in 2026, including further simulation exercises for grain growers and national symposia to promote fruit fly preparedness and collaboration.

PHA’s focus remains on collaboration and sharing knowledge to strengthen the plant biosecurity system.