The National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) met in Brisbane on 20 June 2025. The meeting was chaired by Justine Saunders (Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Group, Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department)).
Key discussions and outcomes
NBC members further progressed a comprehensive reform agenda to strengthen the strategic leadership and oversight of the national biosecurity system, consistent with the principles of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB). NBC approved an updated Terms of Reference and a Communications Plan to improve transparency of NBC activities to external stakeholders. NBC will focus on key reform implementation at a strategic workshop in September 2025, including agreeing the most effective approach to assessing and managing strategic risks for the national biosecurity system. NBC members also resolved to brief Agriculture Senior Officials and Agriculture Ministers on NBC reform progress in the coming months.
Another key area of focus for NBC is the increasing pressure on Australia’s national emergency biosecurity response arrangements – in terms of cost, complexity and frequency/overlapping nature of concurrent responses and impacts on industry, governments, community and the environment. While the biosecurity system at large remains strong, NBC members resolved to consider these pressures as a strategic priority going forward. A further workshop will be held on these issues at an upcoming meeting of the NBC.
NBC members noted the upcoming 5-year reviews of the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA) to be led by a multijurisdictional working group under the NBC, and the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD) led by Plant Health Australia (PHA). These reviews will provide further opportunities for feedback, insight and recommendations for addressing contemporary response issues. NBC agreed to consider key issues and outcomes for these reviews holistically and in a coordinated way.
Integrated Systems Company (ISC) presented an update on the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Uplift Project which noted the transition to the uplifted NLIS is to start in late September 2025. NBC members noted respective jurisdictional privacy considerations and agreed to receive regular updates on the project to support the uplift of the NLIS, which is an important national asset for traceability.
NBC members discussed the ongoing management of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) in existing Control Zones in northern NSW – noting the recent communique on the issues by the Aquatic Consultative Committee for Emergency Animal Disease. NBC agreed NSW will continue to work with the other jurisdictions to consider future management options to continue to contain WSSV in the existing control zones. The department has also offered economic analysis through the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences to guide further decisions on disease control and zoning arrangements.
Planning is underway for the biannual National Biosecurity Forum (NBF) 2025 which is held on behalf of NBC and brings together key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and joint efforts in support of Australia’s biosecurity system. The annual Australian Biosecurity Awards (ABAs) which celebrate individuals, groups and organisations that enhance Australia’s biosecurity system is expected to be held alongside the NBF in the second-half of 2025.
Finally, the NBC recognised the significant work and contributions of Sharyn Williams, who was acting Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria and NBC member for Victoria over the last 10 months. During this time, Sharyn oversaw the delivery of several significant new pest and disease emergency responses in Victoria and made a valuable contribution to the National Management Group responsible for emergency biosecurity responses nationally. The Committee looks forward to welcoming Charlotte Austin who commenced as Executive Director, Biosecurity Victoria on Monday 23 June 2025.
The NBC will next meet face to face on 9 to 10 September 2025 in Melbourne and virtually if required in the interim.
The National Biosecurity Committee is responsible for managing a national, strategic approach to biosecurity threats relating to plant and animal pests and diseases, marine and aquatic pests, and the impact of these on agricultural production, the environment, community wellbeing and social amenity. The Committee provides advice to the Agriculture Senior Officials Committee and the Agriculture Minister’s Forum on national biosecurity issues, and on progress in implementing the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity.
For more information, visit the National Biosecurity Committee’s website, hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.