The department has partnered with the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council to deliver a 12-week pre-employment program, that offers the opportunity for First Nations peoples to explore careers in biosecurity.
The On Country Program: Biosecurity was developed as part of the Western Sydney International Airport project, located near one of Australia’s largest and fastest growing First Nations urban communities.
The program was first delivered from March to May 2025, and due to its positive uptake, is being offered again with a second intake of participants recently beginning their training.
Through the On Country program, participants gain hands-on experience by shadowing biosecurity officers as they perform operational duties at airports and air cargo facilities. Participants are also introduced to biosecurity inspections, detector dog screening, surveillance activities and laboratory operations and take part in culturally informed assessments that focus on teamwork, safety awareness and connection to Country.
Safeguarding Australia’s borders goes hand in hand with the cultural responsibility to care for and protect Country. The On Country Program brings these priorities together by supporting First Nations participants to build capability, confidence and experience while caring for Country and strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system.
Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Group, Justine Saunders, said the program demonstrates the value of designing employment pathways in partnership with community.
“It shows how inclusive workforce design can deliver stronger outcomes for communities, government and Australia’s biosecurity,” Ms Saunders said.
David Roberts, a proud Bidjigal and Gadigal Country man, and the Director Innovation and Training from Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council said, “the training successfully combines collaboration, cultural integrity and the principles of merit-based recruitment.”
Several graduates from the program’s first cohort have successfully secured ongoing positions in the department as biosecurity officers.
They are now bringing First Nations knowledge and cultural perspectives to their roles, helping to build a biosecurity workforce that reflects the communities we serve, while protecting Australia’s agriculture, environment and way of life.
Meet some of the graduates and see how the program has changed lives.
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