As agricultural practices, trade, and human movement evolve, so must Australia’s biosecurity system. Central to this system is a dedicated workforce of diagnostics and surveillance professionals who are adaptable, highly knowledgeable and alert to threats to Australia’s plant industries. Expertise networks such as the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN) and the Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific (PSNAP) support this essential workforce, strengthening their capacity and capability to address emerging plant biosecurity threats.
Since inception, the NPBDN and PSNAP networks have delivered significant value to thousands of diagnostics and surveillance practitioners through events, workshops and other activities. Since 2022, membership has grown by over 50%, reaching 788 NPBDN and 671 PSNAP members. The networks have conducted 27 skills-based training workshops with over 590 participants and facilitated residential technical exchange programs for 17 diagnostics and surveillance professionals.
A significant milestone was the delivery of 12 in-person and virtual Annual Diagnostics and Surveillance Workshops, attracting over 1,370 attendees. These workshops are highly impactful, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange, particularly during plant biosecurity outbreaks. For example, the 2024 the virtual Annual Diagnostics Workshop on plant virology bought together domestic and international experts on the tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). Network members received informative and timely updates on the latest Australian tobamovirus research, virus nomenclature, and perspectives on containment strategies used in the United Kingdom and Europe to mitigate ToBRFV spread.
The networks also play an essential role in preparedness for National Priority Plant Pests (NPPPs). Since 2022, network activities have increased the diagnostic and surveillance capacity of 18 NPPPs, and five pests on the Environmental Plant Pest List. For example, in 2024, NPBDN coordinated a Dermestidae and Khapra beetle identification workshop, where participants received hands-on training, facilitated by leading experts at Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian National Insect Collection, enhancing their skills in diagnosing khapra beetle.
In addition, the networks have supported two rounds of the National Plant Health Proficiency Testing Program, launched enhanced websites to share resources and provide member updates and produced more than 25 newsletters, as well as hundreds of articles and social media posts. In conjunction with National Subcommittees and working groups, National Diagnostics and Surveillance Capability Plans have been developed to identify critical diagnostic capability gaps for priority plant pests and inform the alignment of professional development opportunities with national priorities.
The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network and the Plant Surveillance Network Australasia-Pacific are vital to strengthening Australia’s Biosecurity system. These networks enable the development of a skilled workforce, with improved capacity and capability to detect and manage plant pests impacting industries, the environment and communities.