Biosecurity refers to the practices, policies and legislation designed to prevent the entry, establishment and spread of pests, diseases and weeds that could harm Australia’s agricultural and horticultural industries, the natural environment, and public health. Australia’s geographic isolation has historically protected it from many pests and diseases present elsewhere, making biosecurity a top national priority.
KEY TAKEAWAY: Biosecurity protects Australia’s \$60+ billion agricultural sector, its clean and green export reputation, and its unique biodiversity from exotic and endemic threats.
The primary federal legislation governing biosecurity in Australia. Key features include:
The Commonwealth agency responsible for national biosecurity. Roles include:
- Setting import conditions and inspecting international cargo, passengers and mail
- Managing the Australian Border Force inspection regime at ports and airports
- Coordinating emergency responses to exotic pest and disease incursions
Regulates agricultural and veterinary chemicals prior to use, including pesticides and herbicides that form part of pest-management programs.
VCAA FOCUS: Know the name and role of the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) and how it replaced the Quarantine Act 1908. Understand that biosecurity is a risk-based system, not a zero-risk system.
Each state and territory has its own biosecurity legislation that complements federal law. In Victoria:
The principle of shared responsibility is central: the Commonwealth manages the border; states and territories manage within-border incursions; and landholders manage their own properties.
Every farm or horticultural operation is required and expected to implement a property biosecurity plan. Components typically include:
| Element | Examples |
|---|---|
| Access control | Locked gates, visitor sign-in, designated vehicle wash-down areas |
| Hygiene protocols | Boot dipping, disinfectant footbaths, clean clothing for visitors |
| Pest/disease monitoring | Regular paddock checks, trap placement, record keeping |
| Quarantine areas | Isolation of new or sick animals before integration with herd/flock |
| Record keeping | Movement records, chemical use diaries, veterinary treatment logs |
| Emergency response plan | Who to contact, containment actions if a notifiable disease is detected |
EXAM TIP: Exam questions often ask you to distinguish between national border biosecurity and on-farm (property) biosecurity. Use the border/state/property three-tier structure in your answer.
Some pests and diseases are classified as notifiable — producers are legally required to report suspected cases to Agriculture Victoria or the relevant state authority. Examples include:
Failure to report a notifiable disease can result in significant penalties.
COMMON MISTAKE: Students often confuse notifiable diseases (must be reported by law) with endemic diseases (already present and managed routinely). Foot-and-mouth disease is exotic and notifiable; bovine Johne’s disease is endemic but still reportable under certain conditions.
The NLIS tracks the movement of livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) from birth to processing via electronic ear tags and a national database. This enables rapid trace-back during disease outbreaks and underpins Australia’s food safety and market access credentials.
A cost-sharing agreement between the Commonwealth, state/territory governments and livestock industries to fund responses to emergency animal disease incursions. Industries contribute to response costs through levies, creating a shared financial stake in biosecurity outcomes.
STUDY HINT: Familiarise yourself with at least two specific pieces of legislation (e.g. Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) and Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic)) and be prepared to explain their purpose and the obligations they impose on producers.
Effective biosecurity is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and horticulture because:
A single incursion — such as foot-and-mouth disease — could cost the Australian economy an estimated \$50 billion over ten years, illustrating why biosecurity investment is economically rational.
APPLICATION: When evaluating a farming operation’s sustainability, always assess whether appropriate property-level biosecurity protocols are in place, and whether the operation complies with relevant legislation including the CaLP Act requirements for weed and pest management.
