Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) share a longstanding, collaborative relationship on biosecurity. As neighbours separated by only 150 kilometres, we face shared biosecurity challenges in our region, including the risk of exotic pests and diseases crossing the Torres Strait.

In June, Dr Beth Cookson (Australia's Chief Veterinary Officer), Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith (Australia's Chief Plant Protection Officer) and Dr Bertie Hennecke (Australia's Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer) participated in the inaugural One Health Symposium in Canberra.

Australia's first National Rabbit Management Coordinator, Heidi Kleinert, hosted by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, was appointed in December 2024. The establishment of this role recognises the ongoing need to manage feral rabbits and the value of national coordinated actions to drive efficiencies and improvements in management.

Staff from the Carp Biological Control Program (CBCP) recently attended the River Reflections Conference 2025, held from 29–30 July in Murray Bridge, South Australia. River Reflections provides a vital platform for sharing knowledge, innovations, and collaborative approaches to address the challenges faced in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Tasmanian farm field trip for the Plant Health Committee

A field trip to Tasmanian fruit growing farms and vineyards provided an important opportunity for the Plant Health Committee (PHC) to meet farmers and industry stakeholders to discuss biosecurity challenges whilst exploring effective ways to engage in regulatory discussion.

Pacific Week of Agriculture 2025

Australia has a strong relationship with countries in the Pacific region. Events such as the Pacific Week of Agriculture and Forestry (PWAF) are an opportunity for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to further grow the relationship with our Pacific neighbours.

National Diagnostic Protocol—Meadow spittlebug

A new National Diagnostic Protocol (NDP) has been developed for the exotic meadow spittlebug, Philaenus sprumarius. The meadow spittlebug is one of the most significant exotic insect vectors for the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, which is ranked as number 1 among our National Priority Plant Pests, along with the exotic vectors (insects) that carry it, such as the meadow spittlebug.

Pest Profile - Spotted Wing Drosophila

The spotted wing drosophila Drosophila suzukii is a major exotic horticultural pest of thin-skinned fruit, including berries (blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, boysenberry, strawberry), stone fruit (cherry, nectarine, peach, apricot, plum, prune) and grapes. It also attacks apples, pears and other fruit with thicker skins once these fruits begin to rot.