Rewarding the best of biosecurity

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards.

The awards recognise individuals, groups and organisations that have shown a commitment to supporting and promoting Australia’s biosecurity and the systems that underpin it.

Nominations can be made by anyone with an interest in the biosecurity system as a way to recognise effort, achievement and impact within the sector. The awards will be presented later this year.

Nominations are welcomed across 9 categories, including the First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity. This new award will recognise Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander individuals, groups and organisations that have made an outstanding contribution beyond their normal responsibilities to Australian biosecurity, recognising exceptional commitment to improving the protection of Country and people from pests, weeds and diseases.

Deputy Secretary for Biosecurity and Compliance, Justine Saunders APM, said that these awards recognise the importance of biosecurity to Australia.

“Across the country, Australians are playing their part in protecting our nation from exotic pests and diseases,” Ms Saunders said. 

“Our biosecurity system plays a central role in protecting more than $90 billion worth of agricultural production and $5.7 trillion worth of unique, environmental assets.

“That’s why we want to acknowledge the people who go above and beyond to protect it.

“The Australian Biosecurity Awards recognise the enormous, varied work that goes on in biosecurity.

“Previous winners have included experts in their fields, working to keep exotic pests and diseases out of the country like khapra beetle and brown marmorated stink bug.

“Other winners have lead and supported projects to manage existing pest species, such as rabbits, myrtle rust and weeds, and feral pigs on Kangaroo Island.

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and it’s excellent that we can acknowledge the huge range of innovative work that goes into keeping our country safe.”

For more information on the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards, including how to submit a nomination, visit: agriculture.gov.au/ABA.

Nominations will close at 9am on the 10th of June 2024.

Fast facts

• The Australian Biosecurity Awards were first held in 2005.
• There are nine award categories in 2024:
  • Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation
  • Industry
  • Government
  • Environmental Biosecurity
  • Community
  • Education
  • Farm Biosecurity Producer of The Year — jointly presented with Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia

And for the first time in 2024, the First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity.