Andrew Tongue, Deputy Secretary and Head of Biosecurity Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, discusses biosecurity risks, shipping, mail, air and cargo. He also discusses new technologies and approaches to biosecurity risk management:
2020 brought changes no one could have predicted, with the global movement of people slowed to combat the biggest human biosecurity threat in a century. But the movement of goods has continued, and is now more important than ever to ensure robust global economies and food security.
The shipping industry helps connect us to the wider world and keeps Australia’s trade alive, so we can remain one of the world’s strong economies.
But as mail and cargo volumes increase, so do potential biosecurity risks that could threaten our agricultural industries and rich environmental heritage. Pests and diseases remain just one sea or air voyage from our shores.
In 2020, we responded to interceptions including the potentially devastating Khapra Beetle, found in imported whitegoods, avian flu in Victoria, and parcels of unidentified seeds arriving to unsuspecting members of the public.
Innovation is vital to stay ahead of everchanging biosecurity challenges.