National Biosecurity Committee
We manage a national, strategic approach to biosecurity in Australia. This includes the effect of pests and diseases on our agriculture, environment, and on community wellbeing.
To support our goals, we:
- promote a coordinated and consistent approach to biosecurity between Australian governments
- ensure we target risks while still supporting trade and the movement of goods, animals and vessels around Australia
- provide advice to the Agriculture Senior Officials Committee
We were established under the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB). Read more about the role and members of the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC).
Good biosecurity is a huge job. We don’t do this work alone.
Sector subcommittees
Our work is supported by 4 sectoral committees. They:
- provide us with policy, technical and scientific advice
- coordinate efforts and manage risks in their sector
Discover what they do:
- Animal Health Committee
- Plant Health Committee
- Environment and Invasives Committee
- Marine Pest Sectoral Committee
Expert groups
The National Biosecurity Communication and Engagement Network is an ongoing expert group. The terms of reference for the network are set by the NBC.
We also form time-limited groups to provide us with specific advice and deliver key initiatives. Recent groups have looked at information sharing and emergency preparedness.
Task groups
We form task-specific groups for short-term work and initiatives.
Emergency response agreements
We want to ensure a targeted and coordinated response in a biosecurity emergency.
Emergency response agreements set out how we:
- prepare for an outbreak
- fund and manage our response to an outbreak
Signatories may include Australian, state and territory governments and industry bodies.
Learn more:
- Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA)
- Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD)
- National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (under review)
Chief officers
We work with Australia’s chief officers to ensure a scientific approach to biosecurity policy. Their role is to protect the health of our plants, animals and environment.
Read more about our chief officers: