Consultation – National Biosecurity Reforms

The Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) are consultation on reforms for the National Biosecurity System in alignment with the National Biosecurity Strategy.

The consultation is focused on the reform themes of preparedness, response, recovery, funding, workforce and operational capability and capacity, and legislation and regulation. Throughout these themes, the sustainable funding of our biosecurity system is critical.  

Australia’s biosecurity system is under evolving pressure, owing to factors such as:

• changes to trade and traveller patterns
• rising costs and complexity of managing incursions
• changing economic, environmental and geopolitical conditions.

To respond to these risks, DAFF are proposing national biosecurity reforms.

DAFF have prepared a discussion paper which outlines the proposed reform ideas and the feedback received will feedback will inform a reform roadmap for consideration by Australia’s Agriculture Ministers later this year.

The Australian Veterinary Association is preparing a submission to the review and is seeking feedback from members to help shape our response.

How to Get Involved:
Please consider the proposed reforms in the discussion paper and provide your feedback to AVA Senior Advocacy Officer, Liz Gemes at Liz.Gemes@ava.com.au by Wednesday 3 June to inform the AVA representations

Individual Submissions to the Review:
Veterinarians are also welcome to lodge their own individual and independent submissions on the proposed Biosecurity Regulation , separate from the AVA submission. We continue to encourage members to contribute to AVA representations and provide individual feedback, as engaging in both processes strengthens the veterinary profession’s overall influence. If you wish to make an individual submission to the Inquiry you can do so here by 5pm (AEST) Friday 12 June 2026.

Use of AI in Consultation Feedback:
The AVA greatly values the veterinary expertise and real-world experience you bring to our consultations, as these insights are essential to ensuring our representations are accurate, credible and grounded in practical knowledge. While AI tools can be helpful, we’ve seen examples of incorrect references and misquotations. If you use AI when preparing your feedback, please verify the accuracy of the information and indicate that AI was used.