The Nationals WA spokesperson for Agriculture Hon Colin de Grussa MLC welcomed last week’s announcement that the National Biosecurity Committee has endorsed new national biosecurity Research, Development and Extension priorities, giving a more unified, strategic and nationally-consistent focus to biosecurity research.
The NBC endorsed the following national Research, Development and Extension priorities:
- Prevention – data and intelligence (prevent exotic pests and diseases from entering and establishing in Australia)
- Preparedness – surveillance and diagnostics (understand and quantify the impact of pests and diseases)
- Eradication – treatment and recovery (demonstrate the absence of pests and diseases)
- Containment – risk and decision tools (improved decision-making tools and risk analysis)
- Management – general surveillance (manage the pests and diseases that are already in Australia)
- Communication, community attitudes and awareness (socioeconomic drivers of adopting best practice)
Mr de Grussa recognized the difficulty in managing Australia’s biosecurity system, and believes the new priorities will help better target investment.
“Having been a farmer, I know exactly how important biosecurity is, and I believe that these new priorities will focus research and funding to continue to keep our agricultural industries safe,” Mr de Grussa said.
The new priorities align with the Rural Research and Development priorities outlined in the Federal Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White paper.
The $180.5 million Rural Research and Development for Profit Programme is already funding projects that align with these priorities, including a $4.85 million project on advanced measurement technologies for globally competitive Australian meat.
Mr de Grussa said continued research was key to supporting Australia’s risk-based approach to managing our biosecurity system.
“Research, Development and Extension helps focus our efforts on the areas of greatest risk in an environment that is constantly changing.”