Further to our e-news article in March on the review of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB), the final report has been released.

The report is titled ‘Priorities for Australia’s Biosecurity System’ and makes 42 recommendations to strengthen our biosecurity system over the next five to 10 years.

The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) is an agreement between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments (except Tasmania) to strengthen the biosecurity system. It defines the roles and responsibilities of governments and outlines the priority areas for collaboration to minimise the impact of pests and diseases on Australia’s economy, environment and community.

Australian Agriculture Ministers issued a joint statement following the release of the final report, and have agreed to develop a national, intergovernmental response to the findings and recommendations through the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC) by the end of the year. This response will guide the refreshing of the intergovernmental agreement by mid-2018.

Vinehealth Australia’s refreshed Strategic Plan is aligned with the principles of the IGAB final report, aimed at facilitating the successful management of biosecurity threats to our vineyards.

Vinehealth Australia will continue to update you as the NBC develops a formal response to address the recommendations put forward in the IGAB review, particularly in areas that impact on biosecurity management for vineyards.

For further information about the IGAB review, the report and Vinehealth Australia’s role in the process, contact Inca Pearce on (08) 8273 0552 or email