Recognising Australia's biosecurity champions

The Albanese Labor Government congratulates winners of the Australian Biosecurity Awards which were announced today and recognise outstanding contributions to our national biosecurity system.

There were 11 winners across 9 categories including internationally renowned scientists, animal-health pioneers, biosecurity and aquatic educators, on-farm biosecurity leaders, First Nations’ stewards, innovators, teams tackling invasive species and community-led pest managers.

Dr Allison Crook won the lifetime achievement award. She has dedicated nearly three decades to improving the future of animal health and biosecurity. A champion in emergency management and operations, she is recognised for driving impactful, lasting change across the sector.

Another major award winner, Dr Nerida Donovan, is recognised for her leadership in strengthening government and industry preparedness against citrus biosecurity threats and supporting the citrus industry’s economic sustainability.

The awards were presented as part of the biennial National Biosecurity Forum, which is being held from 5 to 7 November.

The forum includes a series of targeted workshops addressing national biosecurity-system challenges and opportunities, as well as the launch of the new Biosecurity Business Pledge Australia initiative.

The pledge will help businesses adopt proactive approaches for effective biosecurity risk management.

The Albanese Labor Government will never compromise on biosecurity, which protects Australia's $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries and our environment.

Since coming into government, we have committed more than $2 billion in additional resourcing to Australia’s biosecurity.

To view the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards winners, including details of their achievements, visit agriculture.gov.au/ABA.

For more information on the National Biosecurity Forum, visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/partnerships/nbc/nation…

2025 Australian Biosecurity Award winners:  

Dr David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dr Allison Crook, Qld

Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation

• Dr Nerida Donovan, NSW

First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity

• Torres Strait Island Regional Council, Qld

Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year

• Ella Matta Pastoral, SA

Industry

• Dr Kirsty Richards, Qld
• Queensland Beekeepers’ Association, Qld

Government

• Argentine Ant Eradication Team, Norfolk Island Regional Council, NSW

Environmental Biosecurity

• Dr Geoff Pegg, Qld and Aj Perkins, NSW

Community

• Dr Richard Willan, NT
• Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group, WA

Education

• Biosecurity Training Centre, Charles Sturt University, NSW

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

“Protecting Australia’s biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and these awards highlight how consistent action over time can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

“These award-winning scientists, educators, stewards and innovators are all leaders in their fields, and these accolades recognise their remarkable contribution to helping safeguard our environment, agriculture and communities.

“Their projects are helping to protect our unique environment and wildlife and the health and wellbeing of our communities, and sharing their stories enhances our culture of biosecurity action.”