Plant biosecurity in Australia - a powerful government-industry partnership

The ability of governments and industries to work together and share responsibility for designing and managing the plant biosecurity system in Australia has been a crucial development over the last 15 years. Plant Health Australia (PHA) was established in 2000 as a not-for-profit company to breathe life into this partnership and support its strengthening and expansion over time. The model’s success has enabled a wide range of nationally significant challenges to be addressed and agreements to be put in place to deliver improved biosecurity outcomes. While the partnership continues to evolve there are lessons to be drawn from the experience of Australia and the potential for transfer of the approach to other countries. PHA, as the national coordinating body for plant biosecurity in Australia, services the needs of its government and industry members and acts as an independent advocate for the national plant biosecurity system. The company’s efforts help minimise new plant pest impacts, enhance Australia’s plant biosecurity status, assist trade and market access for Australia’s plant products, safeguard the livelihood of producers, support the sustainability and profitability of plant industries and the communities that rely upon them, and preserve environmental health and amenity.