The Australian Government is working with our Pacific neighbours to improve trade and biosecurity in the region. We are better together and can achieve more this way.
Together we can:
- stop the spread of pests and diseases
- maintain, and expand market access opportunities
- secure sustainable food systems across the region.
Here are a few of the ways we are supporting our partners.
The Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Program is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) and implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
Through the program, DAFF works closely with Pacific Island Countries and Territories to strengthen biosecurity capability. This includes building capacity to identify and manage biosecurity risks and improving understanding of safe trade and market access requirements.
In the program's final year (2026-2027), activities focus on strengthening regional capacity in:
- border operations
- the safe and effective administration of biosecurity treatments
- preparation for, and response to, regional plant pests and animal diseases
- surveillance
- auditing
- export processes.
Partners: DAFF, DFAT
DAFF works closely with DFAT on a range of programs across the Pacific that support Australian Government objectives relating to biosecurity, trade and market access, and food security.
Two of these programs are the Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Program (PBPP) and Phase 3 of the Solomon Islands Biosecurity Development Program (SIBDP). Both programs are funded by DFAT and implemented by DAFF.
In line with DFAT's Evaluation Policy, an independent mid-term evaluation of both programs was completed in 2026.
The evaluation assessed program effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability through document reviews, stakeholder interviews and field visits in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Samoa.
The evaluation found that both programs are strengthening biosecurity systems and partnerships across the Pacific. It made six recommendations to inform future programming.
Both DFAT and DAFF have responded to the recommendations. The findings and recommendations will inform current program delivery and the design of future DFAT and DAFF initiatives.
Independent evaluation of the Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Program agreement
Management response - Independent evaluation of the Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Program agreement
If you have difficulty accessing these files, contact us for help.
Partners: DAFF, DFAT
Our Memorandum of Understanding with PHAMA Plus supports the delivery of activities in alignment with Australia's commitment to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus). to strengthen economic growth with signatory countries.
Partners: DAFF, PHAMA Plus
The scheme is a voluntary biosecurity agreement developed by industry. It manages the biosecurity risk from importing sea containers from certain countries.
Agreements can be made between the Australian Government and:
- another country’s government
- an entity. For example, a shipping line, container processing facility or port authority.
If you are part of the scheme, you must meet our sea container hygiene requirements. You can benefit from a reduced inspection rate on your external containers when they arrive in Australia. If you keep complying, your inspection rate can reduce to as low as 5%.
This lowers your:
- inspection fees
- cleaning and treatment fees
- container dwell-times on wharf.
Find out more about entering into an agreement.
Partners: DAFF, New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries
If the fumigation treatments performed offshore are not effective, it poses a high biosecurity risk. This scheme manages this risk. It is only available in certain countries.
We train treatment providers and government officers on how to meet methyl bromide fumigation requirements.
Treatment providers must register to be included in a list of providers. They are only successful once they show their capacity and willingness to comply with the requirements.
By using a registered provider, you ensure your goods are treated to meet Australian standards.