News and media

Australians can now nominate individuals and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to the protection of our $66 billion agricultural industries and the health of our animals, plant and people through the 2021 Australian Biosecurity Awards (ABAs).

Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, and Australia's Director of Biosecurity, Andrew Metcalfe AO, said the ABAs highlighted the important role that everyone plays in keeping Australia safe from biosecurity risks.

Australia’s alpaca producers are well positioned to develop new export markets following the opening of trade in alpacas with Chile.

Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Tongue, said the export of alpacas would provide Chile access to quality Australian genetics and help improve Chile’s national herd.

“Australian animals and fleeces are now ranked among the world’s best with Australian alpaca fibre used in high fashion garments, as well as knitwear, blankets, doonas and even carpets,” Mr Tongue said

The 2020-21 brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season is wrapping up and Australia’s measures have again remained strong against this serious pest.

Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Tongue, said this season’s response was a great success.

“BMSB could cause significant damage to our crops if it were able to establish here, so it’s important to keep our biosecurity measures sound,” Mr Tongue said.

The ANAO has completed an audit to assess the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s effectiveness in responding to non-compliance with biosecurity requirements. The department agreed to all eight recommendations in the ANAO report.

Head of Biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Andrew Tongue, said the report identified timely recommendations to improve the department’s arrangements to respond to non-compliance with biosecurity.

Australia is chairing the 25th anniversary meeting of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems (CCFICS), which started yesterday.

First Assistant Secretary of the Exports and Veterinary Services Division at the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Nicola Hinder, said the committee develops principles and guidelines for food import and export inspection and certification systems.

Commonwealth Biosecurity 2030 was released today and outlines the Australian Governments roadmap to build a stronger, smarter biosecurity system through to 2030.

Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Australia’s Director of Biosecurity, Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, said it would ensure Australia’s biosecurity system stays ahead of current and growing biosecurity threats.

A 35-year-old Sydney man has been handed a lengthy jail sentence for the attempted illegal export of Australian native reptiles.

Jie Chen was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 2 years and 3 months at Parramatta District Court.

Between July 2015 and May 2018, Chen, an Aquarium retail business owner and licenced reptile keeper, imported reptiles from Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia for the purpose of international sale.

Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp is this week representing Australia at the 88th General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The global virtual event marks the completion of Dr Schipp’s three-year term as OIE President.

As OIE President, Dr Schipp has achieved increased member engagement and participation in international standard setting, through strong advocacy and Australian funding for international workshops on implementation of standards related to animal health and welfare.

The Guardian article "Environment department tried to bury research that found huge underspend on Australian threatened species claims" (14 May 2021) wrongly claims the department tried to suppress research on threatened species funding.

A series of webinars on Australia's sustainable food future will be held in May and June 2021.

Assistant Secretary Matt Worrell said the Australian Food Systems Summit Dialogues were a chance for interested stakeholders to come together and share ideas before the UN Food Systems Summit in September.

“These discussions will bring together policymakers, farmers, industry, academia and community groups to discuss ideas, opportunities and challenges facing food systems,” Mr Worrell said.