Nominations Open for the 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards

Australia is now calling for nominations for the prestigious 2024 Australian Biosecurity Awards, an annual event that celebrates outstanding contributions to the safeguarding of the nation’s biosecurity. The awards recognize individuals, groups, and organizations committed to enhancing Australia’s biosecurity systems, ensuring the protection of over $90 billion in agricultural production and $5.7 trillion in unique environmental assets.

Categories and Innovation in Biosecurity

This year, the awards feature nine diverse categories, including the newly introduced First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity. This addition aims to honour Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander contributors who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to biosecurity, going beyond their usual responsibilities to protect the land and people from pests, weeds, and diseases.

Justine Saunders APM, Deputy Secretary for Biosecurity and Compliance, emphasized the critical role of biosecurity in Australia.

“Our biosecurity system is fundamental in protecting our nation from exotic pests and diseases,” Saunders remarked. “It’s vital to acknowledge those who contribute signifcantly to this system, ensuring our environmental and agricultural assets remain secure.”

Previous Winners and Achievements

Past recipients of the Australian Biosecurity Awards have included specialists who have successfully kept invasive species like the khapra beetle and brown marmorated stink bug out of Australia. Other winners have led efforts to manage prevalent pests and diseases, tackling challenges like rabbit infestations, myrtle rust, and feral pigs on Kangaroo Island.

Nomination Process

Nominations are open to anyone with an interest in biosecurity, providing an opportunity to recognize the efforts and impacts of those committed to this crucial sector. The awards aim to spotlight the varied and extensive work being done across the country to maintain Australia’s biosecurity integrity.

The 2024 award categories include:

• 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

• First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity

For more information on the awards and details on how to submit a nomination, visit Australian Biosecurity Awards Nomination Page. Nominations will close at 9am on 10 June 2024.