Celebrating biosecurity champions across the country

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to celebrating everyday Australians who are champions of biosecurity with nominations now open for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.

The awards recognise the individuals, groups and organisations committed to supporting and strengthening Australia’s world-class biosecurity system, which helps protect our farmers, producers and our environment.

The awards promote biosecurity compliance, innovation and excellence, while celebrating significant achievements and impact across Australia’s biosecurity sector.

Nominations can be made across 9 categories including government, environmental biosecurity, community and education.

Last year’s winners included:

• Scientists, industry leaders and biosecurity professionals strengthening national preparedness, including leadership in diagnostics, research and collaboration to manage serious plant and animal disease threats and support industry resilience.
• First Nations organisations leading locally driven biosecurity programs, protecting Country, culture and community.
• Collaborative teams delivering programs to manage invasive species and environmental threats. 

The Albanese Labor Government is also encouraging Australian businesses to help protect their operations, and the nation, from costly biosecurity threats through the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia.

The Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia is a national initiative that invites businesses of all sizes to embed biosecurity into everyday operations – helping to reduce risk, safeguard continuity and build resilience across industries.

By taking the pledge, businesses can strengthen their biosecurity practices, improve operational efficiency and increase confidence across supply chains, helping to reduce the likelihood of costly disruptions caused by invasive pests and diseases.

Participating businesses will have access to a range of practical tools including a dedicated website, regular member webinars, and targeted education and engagement activities.

For more information, and to take the pledge, visit: biosecurity.gov.au/pledge.

Nominations for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards close on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 at 5:00pm (AEST). For more information, visit: agriculture.gov.au/aba.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and across the country Australians are doing their part to protect our farmers and producers from exotic pests and diseases.

“The 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards will recognise those who go above and beyond to protect what matters most.

“The Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia is a support system for all businesses to gain knowledge in managing and identifying biosecurity risks, helping to prevent pests and diseases from reaching our shores.

“Whether you are working in logistics, imports, agriculture or supply chain operations, you can take this pledge and apply it directly to your business.

“The Albanese Labor Government will never compromise on biosecurity, and I encourage Australians to get involved in the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards and the Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia.”