Tropical Plant Industries Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy

The Tropical Plant Industries Biosecurity Surveillance Strategy 2020–25 (TPIBSS) was developed through a consultative process with industry and government. Information on government and industry surveillance, industry statistics and background information were compiled to inform the development of the strategy.

There are two parts:

• The strategy, which provides an overview and includes the vision, outcomes, goals and actions. It also details the activities and tasks required to deliver the strategy’s outcomes and provides a timeframe for each task.
• A background document (see below), which provides background information, industry statistics and surveillance activities.

Goals

The outcomes will be achieved through delivery against five goals:

• Improve planning, prioritisation, preparedness and coordination for surveillance
• Increase effective engagement, awareness and communication within and between stakeholders
• Improve surveillance delivery
• Ensure availability of future diagnostic services
• Improve surveillance data capture, quality and access for stakeholders

TPIBSS Background information, industry statistics and surveillance activities

In addition to the strategy there’s also a background document that provides industry statistics and describes surveillance activities that are currently being undertaken by industries in the north by the Australian Government, and the governments of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.

Implementation of the strategy has commenced and is being guided by a steering committee comprising representatives of seven key industry groups, the three northern governments and the Australian Government. The steering committee is chaired by Greg Owens from NT Farmers.

Acknowledgement

The TPIBSS 2020–25 was prepared by James Walker – when on secondment to PHA from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment(DAWE) – Trevor Dunmall and Sharyn Taylor (PHA). It was funded by DAWE through the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the Australian Government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy.

The strategy was developed following a series of workshops, meetings and discussions with numerous stakeholders, who are listed and acknowledged  in the document.