2020 will long be remembered as a strange and difficult year for everyone, with one of the worst bushfire seasons and the start of a global pandemic.

Biosecurity also became more complicated during COVID-19 with significant changes in global trade patterns, consumer purchasing habits and the emergence of new biosecurity risks from trade with non-typical sources or origins.

Australia’s biosecurity system is critical in our defence against exotic pests and diseases that could increase costs for producers, reduce access to overseas markets, and devastate our unique environment and way of life.

The system is now facing multiple threats on multiple fronts, and it has never been more important for us all - including those that rely on the trade our biosecurity system facilitates - to act.

This event explored the new biosecurity reality and showcase work underway to improve and future proof the system.

Our guests from the Dept of Agriculture, Water and the Environment discussed the $400 million investment the federal government is making to build a more ‘fit for purpose’ biosecurity system, including piloting of innovative technologies and better partnerships with industry. They also expanded on other initiatives to deliver fast and safe border clearances, many of which are being developed with industry and other stakeholders.