Online training hub supports national biosecurity

A groundbreaking National Biosecurity Hub will streamline access to essential online biosecurity training for primary producers across Australia.

The online training platform is a comprehensive library for training packages provided by government, industry, and tertiary education providers, covering a wide range of biosecurity topics.

As a frontline biosecurity state, Queensland and Plant Health Australia (PHA) have taken a lead role in spearheading this initiative, recognizing the importance of a coordinated effort to protect our industries, environment and lifestyle from biosecurity threats.

The National Biosecurity Hub offers diverse training opportunities, ranging from on-farm training for producers addressing emergency animal diseases to hitchhiker pest training for businesses involved in importing goods.

It emphasises the crucial role every individual plays in meeting their biosecurity obligations and underscores the collective responsibility we all share for safeguarding Australia’s primary production capabilities.

A tri-state partnership between Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and a collaboration with Plant Health Australia and Animal Health Australia has been instrumental in the establishment of the National Biosecurity Hub.

The initial launch of the hub features a collection of 64 online training courses, with plans for continuous expansion. Organisations interested in contributing additional training packages are encouraged to connect PHA via nbth@phau.com.au.

Click here to visit the National Biosecurity Hub.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

"Having dealt with more biosecurity incidents than any other jurisdiction, Queensland is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in enhancing national biosecurity capabilities,” Mr Furner said.

“Primary producers told us they wanted increased visibility and easier access to biosecurity training, and this National Biosecurity Hub has been designed to deliver exactly that.

“By providing a central repository for biosecurity training, we empower individuals and organisations to actively contribute to our nation's biosecurity efforts.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence:

“Victoria is proud to be a partner in the National Biosecurity Hub,” Ms Spence said. 

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and the training hub provides an opportunity for all Australians to learn about biosecurity and work together to prepare for emerging risks and threats.”

Quotes attributable to Plant Health Australia CEO Sarah Corcoran:

“Australia’s biosecurity system is built on shared responsibility for shared benefit. This initiative demonstrates the power of partnerships in improving cross-sectoral national biosecurity capability and capacity to prepare us for future biosecurity risks,” Ms Corcoran said.

Quotes attributable to Animal Health Australia Acting CEO Dr Samantha Allan:

"Partnerships and collaboration are key to ensuring the online training programs integrated into each organisation are well identified and promoted, and the development of a National Biosecurity Hub is a key step in the right direction to continue to achieve collective action on biosecurity threats and ensure all users of the system have access to best practice information,” Dr Allan said.

ENDS

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