Scope of the strategy
This strategy focuses on improved outcomes for the national plant health surveillance system and applies to plant pests and weeds that impact Australia’s plant industries, environment and community.
For the purpose of this strategy, plant pests are defined as any species, strain or biotype of invertebrate or pathogen injurious to plants, plant products or bees.
The application of the strategy to weeds primarily covers exotic weed species and declared weed species not known to be established in a particular jurisdiction, which pose high potential impacts. It supports those aims of the Australian Weeds Strategy[1] that relate to surveillance. Weeds are also included in this strategy where they may be important vectors, reservoirs and alternative hosts for plant pests.
The strategy should be considered in conjunction with the National Plant Biosecurity Preparedness Strategy and the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Strategy which together support implementation of the National Plant Biosecurity Strategy.
The strategy does not identify resourcing or funding sources to deliver the goals and actions. Guidance on the specific tasks required for each action, including organisations and/or groups with responsibility for implementing each task, resources required and timeframes, will be provided in detailed action plans to support implementation of the strategy.
Guiding principles
The strategy is guided by the following principles which together help ensure the national plant health surveillance system manages risks to Australia’s plant industries, environment and community while supporting trade and market access.
- An effective biosecurity continuum – An effective biosecurity system manages the pre-border, border and post border elements (the biosecurity continuum) to mitigate risks.
- Collaboration – Biosecurity is a responsibility shared between all governments, plant industries, natural resource managers, land custodians or users, and the community.
- Evidence-based – Biosecurity activities are undertaken according to a cost-effective, science based and risk-managed approach.
- Coordination – Biosecurity activities are well coordinated to ensure resources are targeted towards agreed national priorities.
[1] Invasive Plants and Animals Committee 2016, Australian Weeds Strategy 2017 to 2027, Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Canberra. Available at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/sitecollectiondocuments/ pests-diseases-weeds/consultation/aws-final.docx
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