An Australian biosecurity podcast
This exciting podcast gives listeners an opportunity to get engaged and informed on the different aspects of Australia’s biosecurity system.
Listeners will hear from leaders in biosecurity, as well as gain an insight into the work of those across the country who underpin our biosecurity system.
Listen in the links below or find episodes on Spotify, Pocket Casts or your favourite podcast app.
If you would like to get involved in the podcast, or suggest a topic or guest, contact the podcast team.
Episodes:
Episode 1 – The best noses in biosecurity: Australia’s biosecurity detector dogs
July 2021
Guests: Jeff Smith and Colleen Eiser
In this episode we talk to Jeff and Colleen about the biosecurity detector dogs. Learn about how the dogs are selected and trained, some of the interesting items they have intercepted and new ways the dogs are being utilised on the frontline.
Download the transcript DOCX [103 KB]
Episode 2 – Building a stronger biosecurity system to manage growing pest and disease risks
October 2021
Guest: Andrew Tongue, Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity and Compliance, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Find out why biosecurity is important for Australia, the growing challenges the biosecurity system is facing and how innovation, collaboration and other factors are helping address the risk of pests and diseases arriving in Australia.
Download the transcript DOCX [103 KB]
Episode 3 – Antimicrobial Awareness Week
November 2021
Guest: Dr Mark Schipp, Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an issue that poses a serious and long-term threat to human and animal health in Australia and around the world. In this episode, we speak with Dr Mark Schipp as part of Antimicrobial Awareness Week (AAW) to learn more about AMR, why it is a risk and what we can all do to help manage it.
Download the transcript DOCX [103 KB]
Episode 4 – Lunar New Year and biosecurity (Cantonese version)
January 2022
Host: Tina Leung, Sydney Gateway Facility, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Guest: Michael Huang, Sydney Gateway Facility, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
This podcast episode is produced in-language, spoken in Cantonese. Tina and Michael discuss their roles at the Sydney Gateway Facility and the importance of ensuring Lunar New Year items sent or brought to Australia do not pose a biosecurity risk.
Download the transcript - Cantonese version DOCX [31 KB]
Download the transcript - English version (Translation) DOCX [13 KB]
Episode 5 – Post Entry Quarantine for Plants and Animal imports.
February 2022
Guest: Meaghan Brierly
Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ) plays a significant role in ensuring plants and animals are safely imported and comply with Australia’s biosecurity conditions. In this episode, Meaghan Brierly, Senior Biosecurity Officer joins the team to talks through the import process for domestic animals, plants and even bees, why those processes and import conditions are important, as well as some of the interesting experiences the team have had.
Download the transcript DOCX [29 KB]
Episode 6 - Khapra Beetle: A little grain pest with a big impact.
March 2022
Host: Steve Peios
Guest:Dr Gabrielle Vivian Smith
Dr Gabrielle Vivian Smith and Steve Peios take us through the threat of the Khapra Beetle to Australia’s grain and dry-goods industries. We find out how the beetle could establish itself in Australia and what measures are in place to protect our farmers, and food industries from this serious pest.
Download the transcript DOCX [42 KB]
Episode 7 - Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Assistance to eliminate with AI
May 2022
Host: Steve Peios
Guest: Dr Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn
Dr Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn, Scientist at the CSIRO, explains how the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) could destroy over 300 types of plants including our food crops all across Australia. Dr Schmidt-Lebuhn is at the forefront of designing an app using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that can identify the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and tells the fascinating story behind the development.
Download the transcript (DOCX 41 KB)
Episode 8 - The Plant Innovation Centre: Solutions to biosecurity issues.
August 2022
Host: Steve Peios
Guest: Dr Adrian Dinsdale
Dr Adrian Dinsdale, Assistant Director at the Plant Innovation Centre (PIC) at Post Entry Quarantine (PEQ), explains how game-changing technological advancements such as the MinION and High Throughput Sequencing are making detection of pests and diseases more efficient, smarter and cost effective.
Download the transcript (DOCX 36 KB)
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