The Hon Julie Collins MPMinister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
New Dog Handlers Strengthen Australia Biosecurity
The Albanese Labor Government is further boosting Australia’s biosecurity frontline with six new detector dog handlers graduating recently.
The recent graduates have joined more than 50 handlers at international airports and mail centres, protecting Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry industries and our environment.
Detector dog teams intercepted more than 42,000 high-risk items across Australian airports, seaports and mail centres in 2024 alone.
Of those 42,000 interceptions, more than 10,000 were caught by the extra 20 detector dogs added to the system by the Albanese Labor Government.
These new detector dogs are part of the $2 billion in new biosecurity funding the Albanese Government has committed to since coming to office.
This funding is boosting our frontline and responding to new and emerging threats.
The average detector dog finds 9,000 biosecurity risk items during their working lives.
Recent finds have included 27 plant cuttings concealed in chip containers, a wildflower arrangement from a wedding in Papua New Guinea and a clove of garlic from a child’s pocket.
The most common items found are meat, seeds and fruit, which could cause a significant biosecurity risk, and harm Australia’s agricultural sector and environment.
Biosecurity risk items are seized and destroyed, and those attempting to bring them into the country can be issued with steep fines or visa cancellations.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
“Detector dogs and their handlers are vital part of Australia’s world-renowned biosecurity system.
“Detector dog teams intercepted more than 42,000 high-risk items across Australian airports, seaports and mail centres in 2024 alone.
“They are part of our critical frontline defence, working to intercept pests and diseases that could threaten human health, our environment and Australian agriculture.
“That’s why our Government has invested in more detector dogs to further boost our biosecurity frontline.”
https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/collins/media-releases/six-new-detector-dog-handlers