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Three Chiefs Newsletter
September 2024
| | | | | | | The Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Beth Cookson and her team recently hosted the 2024 Veterinary Workforce Data and Governance Roundtable, to foster collaboration among veterinary stakeholders to pursue comprehensive national data on the veterinary workforce. There's also an update on the National Animal Health Horizon Scanning and Foresight Network, along with an update on work to strengthen engagement in northern Australia and in First Nations communities, to increase preparedness for emergency animal diseases.
The Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer, Dr Bertie Hennecke and his team are leading the department's partnership with the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) focused on Indigenous ranger led projects aimed at reducing the impacts of pests and weeds. There's also an update on Exercise Volare, which explored how Australia would respond if H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) found its way to our shores.
The Chief Plant Protection Officer, Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith's team have continued their international technical collaboration with Australia's near neighbours, with staff from the Pacific Engagement and International Plant Health team supporting plant health and biosecurity capacity building activities in Timor-Leste. There's also updates on the Boosting Diagnostic Capacity for Plant Production Industries project, and the department's involvement in the recent Government Scientists Group STEM Expo which was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra. We hope you enjoy this Spring edition of the Three Chiefs Newsletter, and please spread the word to your colleagues to subscribe! | | | Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) | | | | | Scanning for emerging animal health threats and opportunities | | | | Animal diseases and pests are dynamic – as we have seen in recent years with the emergence and spread of diseases around the world. Strategic foresight is not just a concept but a critical tool for identifying emerging issues, and thereby supporting our preparedness and resilience. | | 
| | A focus on northern Australia and First Nations communities | | | | Focusing on northern Australia is important for protecting Australia's animal health. The region is vulnerable to incursions due to its proximity to neighbours such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and Timor-Leste. The establishment of the Office of the Australian Chief Veterinary Officer (OCVO) – Northern Australia team in 2022 has contributed to strengthening engagement in the region and increasing preparedness for emergency animal diseases (EAD). | | | Australian Chief Veterinary Officer coordinates national vet workforce data roundtable | | | | Australia's veterinary sector faces major challenges, including a significant workforce shortage.
From the rural towns without a veterinary clinic, to new graduates without adequate support, and business owners at risk of burnout without a break – the issues within the profession are diverse and complex. | | | Australian Chief Biosecurity Officer (ACEBO) | | | Supporting Indigenous Rangers to protect Country from invasive species | | | | Operating across diverse landscapes, from savannahs to coastal regions, Indigenous Rangers in northern Australia play a crucial role in safeguarding both the natural environment and cultural heritage from the damaging impacts of established invasive species. | | 
| | Environmental biosecurity plays a key role in HPAI H5 preparedness
| | | | To explore just how Australia would respond if high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5 found its way to our shores, the department recently led a series of 3 scenario-based discussion exercises known as Exercise Volare.
| | | Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer (ACPPO) | | | Biosecurity capacity building in Timor-Leste | | | | As part of the department's ongoing international technical collaboration with Australia's near neighbours, staff from the Pacific Engagement and International Plant Health team have been supporting plant health and biosecurity capacity building activities in Timor-Leste.
| | | Boosting Diagnostic Capacity for Plant Production Industries project a win for plant industries | | | Expo showcases STEM careers in government | | | | In August during National Science Week the first ever Government Scientists Group STEM Expo was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House in Canberra. The Expo showcased STEM careers and activities in government agencies. Over 1500 people attended in person and over 600 people watched the event's livestream. | | | Pest profile: Varroa mite Varroa mites (Varroa destructor and Varroa jacobsoni) are tiny red-brown external parasites of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and are about the size of a sesame seed. Until recently both species were exotic to Australia, however in June 2022 Varroa destructor was detected in a sentinel hive at the Port of Newcastle. | | 
| | | We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. | | | | |