PHA marks 25 years building national plant biosecurity

April saw a significant milestone for Plant Health Australia (PHA), marking 25 years of leadership and collaboration in building and strengthening Australia’s plant biosecurity system – recognised as one of the strongest in the world.

The milestone reflects decades of work by PHA, bringing together expertise, knowledge and stakeholders to find solutions that improve plant biosecurity outcomes. Through close partnerships with governments, industries and research organisations, PHA has helped protect our environment, support farmers and communities, secure international trade, and safeguard our way of life. In our increasingly global world, biosecurity will continue to play a critical role in ensuring a sustainable future for all Australians.

Strategic and responsive

Since its establishment in 2000, PHA has worked across sectors to co-ordinate national biosecurity efforts and ensure the system remains strategic, responsive and future-focused. Early achievements included the development of the Australian Plant Pest Database (APPD), the expansion of the membership base, and the world-first Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD), ratified in 2005.

The organisation’s ongoing commitment to practical partnerships has since seen initiatives such as PLANTPLAN, the National Plant Health Status Report, and national surveillance co-ordination through AUSPestCheck®, all of which have strengthened Australia’s ability to detect and respond to biosecurity threats.

And from 2020, a new five-year strategic plan has focused on enhancing national readiness, strengthening partnerships, and leveraging technology and innovation to support Australia’s plant industries.

World-class, adaptable and future-focused

Today, PHA’s membership includes 57 government and industry organisations, all united by a shared commitment to a strong, collaborative biosecurity system. The Australian Olive Association (AOA) is an Industry Peak Body member of PHA, and $0.10 of the total $3.10 per tonne annual Olive Levy goes to PHA to support its work. Hort Innovation is also an Associate member of PHA.

A not-for-profit company, PHA invests member subscriptions into activities and initiatives designed to protect Australia’s plant industries and environment from harmful pests and diseases, ensuring that Australia’s biosecurity system remains world-class, adaptable, and future-oriented.

You can find out more about PHA and its work here, where you can also access a range of plant-biosecurity related information through the Resource Centre.