19 September 2025
Who does this notice affect?
This notice applies to all industry participants involved in managing biosecurity import inspections and treatments, including approved arrangement operators, customs brokers, biosecurity industry participants, importers, and freight forwarders.
Invitation to participate in an update to Biosecurity Industry Participants from the STEPS Program
The STEPS Program is inviting Biosecurity Industry Participants to attend webinar updates in October 2025. These webinars offer an opportunity for participants to hear firsthand about recent progress from the STEPS team. Each session will showcase the work delivered so far, highlighting efforts to drive better, and more efficient processes for stakeholders. In addition, the webinars will provide updates on the feedback received from participants and explain how we are addressing those pain points.
Background
The STEPS Program aims to deliver faster, simpler, and more reliable import processing while upholding Australia’s biosecurity and compliance standards. Priorities include harnessing technology to streamline procedures, supporting trade growth, and integrating stakeholder feedback so system changes respond to genuine challenges and help protect national interests.
Purpose of the Webinar
- Facilitate open, direct exchanges of updates, challenges, and plans between industry stakeholders and STEPS program leads
- Gather targeted feedback from industry, ensuing solutions are practical and relevant
- Build long-term relationships to foster true and ongoing cooperation in improving Australia’s import environment
Outcomes We Want to Achieve
The outcomes we want to achieve from the webinars include:
- Shared understanding among industry stakeholders about current progress and future direction
- Actionable Feedback to guide how the STEPS Program can best support industry needs and address operational pain points
- Joint identification of opportunities for industry partners to help tackle challenges and drive innovation
- Stronger communication channels and sustained engagement that ensures mutual benefit and success
Session Overview
Each webinar will include:
- Program Director Update: Sharing program milestones and strategic highlights
- Business Change Lead Update: Presenting the volume and quality of engagement, summarising industry feedback, and what’s being actioned in response
- Product Showcase: Providing demonstrations of the products that STEPS has delivered
- Next Steps: A look ahead to coming activities, milestones, and when further input will be sought
- Q&A Session: Open forum for questions, issues and deeper conversation about session topics
Registration
Registration for the webinars is simple and designed for maximum convenience. There are three separate one-hour sessions across three days each taking place at different times to ensure flexibility for all stakeholders.
How to register:
- Each session will be conducted online as a webinar
- Click on the registration link for your preferred session ad follow the prompts to complete your registration
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join, including a secure link to access the webinar
Registration link:
- Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 2:00 – 3:00 pm AEST: Register
- Thursday, 2 October 2025, 09:00 – 10:00 am AEST: Register
- Tuesday, 7 October 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 am AEST: Register
Further information
If you have any questions, or require further information, please email STEPS@aff.gov.au and title your email ‘STEPS Round Tables’.