Biosecurity Council of Western Australia

Annual Report 2019/2020

i Contact details Rebecca Heath (Executive Officer) Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Postal: PO Box 483, Northam WA 6401 Street: 75 York Rd, Northam WA 6401 Email: [email protected] Telephone: +61 8 9690 2171

Images Image 5 © Louise Morin – CSIRO 2020

September 2020

Important disclaimer The Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the State of Western Australia accept no liability whatsoever by reason of negligence or otherwise arising from the use or release of this information or any part of it. Copyright © Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 2020 Contents Chair’s report ...... 4 The Council of Western Australia ...... 6 Overview ...... 6 Membership ...... 7 Council activities in 2019/20...... 11 Overview ...... 11 Biosecurity research and development ...... 11 Declared pest rates and recognised biosecurity groups ...... 14 Declaration of non-agricultural species under the BAM Act ...... 15 Border biosecurity ...... 15 Environmental biosecurity ...... 16 Biosecurity funding mechanisms ...... 16 Biosecurity perceptions ...... 16 Quadruple bottom line of biosecurity ...... 16 Myrtle rust preparedness ...... 17 Engagement ...... 18 Website ...... 18 Regional visit ...... 19 Meetings ...... 20 Governance ...... 21 Progress on past Council recommendations ...... 22 Declared pest rates and recognised biosecurity groups (2020) ...... 22 Declaration of non-agricultural species (2020) ...... 22 Biosecurity R&D (2019) ...... 22 Sustaining a biosecurity response (2019) ...... 22 Environmental biosecurity (2018) ...... 23 Biosecurity and market access (2017) ...... 24 Cost of Council operations in 2019/20 ...... 25 Direction for 2020/2021 ...... 26 Acronyms ...... 28 Appendix A: Copy of Instrument of Appointment ...... 289

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4 Chair’s report An effective biosecurity system is fundamental to Western Australia’s economy, environment, social amenity and human . Whilst our geographic isolation – an island within an island – provides us with a natural advantage, preventing pests and from entering and establishing is a considerable task and an ever- changing challenge. Over the past year, the Biosecurity Council has worked to develop strategic advice to Government to help secure Western Australia’s biosecurity system. The system is complex, requiring decisive legislation, policy and processes, as well as participation from all Western Australians to make it work. It is also a science- based system that needs ongoing research and development to underpin its integrity and support prevention and preparedness activities into the future. On that note, Council reviewed the status of, and gaps in, biosecurity research and development in Western Australia. Opportunities to strengthen biosecurity research and development were identified that, when implemented, we believe will deliver meaningful research and innovation to benefit the ongoing biosecurity of Western Australia. We also worked on a number of other areas that highlighted the necessity of collaboration and cooperation on biosecurity. Biosecurity as a shared responsibility is a fundamental principle underpinning the Western Australian and, indeed, the national biosecurity systems – we each have a role to play in protecting our State and country from biosecurity threats. This includes cooperation, collaboration and contribution across and within Government, industries and communities. The COVID-19 has brought biosecurity to the fore for many Western Australians. The global pandemic has spurred public awareness and support for biosecurity objectives. However, it must not be forgotten that ‘biosecurity’ is much broader than human health – it is also the protection of our agriculture, aquaculture and forestry sectors, as well as our unique terrestrial and aquatic environments, from the negative impacts of pests, weeds and diseases. In fact, there are serious animal and diseases, such as foot and mouth and myrtle rust, that can impact our way of life – not unlike COVID. With the heightened community awareness of the importance of Western Australia’s biosecurity, there is immense opportunity to improve Government, community and industry cooperation, collaboration and contribution on biosecurity matters. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and all Western Australians need to participate to ensure the resilience of our biosecurity system into the future.

Prof. Simon McKirdy Chair, Biosecurity Council of Western Australia

5 The Biosecurity Council of Western Australia Overview The Biosecurity Council of Western The Council operates at a strategic Australia (the Council) was level, with a long-term vision for established in 2008 as a specialist effective biosecurity in Western advisory group to the Minister and Australia (WA) that considers national Director General with responsibility and international treaties and for the Biosecurity and Agriculture obligations. The advice provided by Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) – the Council is based on sound currently, the Minister for Agriculture assessment and balances the needs and Food (the Minister) and the of industry, community and Director General of the Department of government. Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Establishing a The principal role of Biosecurity Council is a requirement of the BAM Act. the Council is to The principal role of the Council is to provide advice to the provide advice to the Minister and the Minister for Agriculture DPIRD Director General on any biosecurity matter, whether referred and Food and the to the Council by the Minister or DPIRD Director General Director General, or of its own motion. on any biosecurity matter.

Biosecurity matters on which the Council provides advice: 1. The requirements of a comprehensive and effective biosecurity system for Western Australia 2. Significant gaps in, or necessary improvements to, the biosecurity system 3. Opportunities to improve industry and public awareness and support for biosecurity objectives 4. Opportunities to improve government, community and industry cooperation and collaboration on biosecurity matters; and 5. Matters referred to the Council by the Minister or the Director General. See Appendix A for the Council’s instrument of appointment.

6 Membership Current membership consists of the various Ministerial Advisory Chair and seven ordinary members. Committees, including the Membership is drawn from people Aquaculture Development Council who are experienced or actively and the Rock Lobster Industry involved in agriculture, silviculture, Advisory Committee. fishing, aquaculture, pearling or Dr Regina Flugge (Deputy Chair, related commercial activities; natural 2020) has a long history with natural resource management; environmental resource management, including as a protection; or regional communities. member of the Rangelands Regional Appointments are made by the Assessment Panel for the Natural Minister. Heritage Trust in the late 1990’s. Prof. Simon McKirdy (Chair) has a Regina has over 30 years of long history in the biosecurity/ experience in environment and area. He is currently sustainable development roles and Professor of Biosecurity at Murdoch has worked in the education, University and Pro Vice Chancellor of government, not-for-profit and the Harry Butler Institute. Prior corporate sectors. Regina was Chair positions held include the Biosecurity of Rangelands NRM, the largest Science and Risk Manager for natural resource management region Chevron Australia and Chief in WA, to the end of April 2019. Executive Officer of the Plant Regina’s career includes substantial Biosecurity Cooperative Research experience in the resources industry Centre. Simon has worked on various including 16 years in the Pilbara biosecurity-related committees region. Regina also has a keen including seven years with the Plant interest in environmental biosecurity Biosecurity Quadrilateral Scientific following previous Ministerial Collaboration Working Group, which appointments to the Conservation included representatives from and Parks Commission, Conservation Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Commission of WA, Coastal Planning the United States of America. and Coordination Council and the Air Quality Coordinating Committee. In Ms Tina Thorne (Deputy Chair, 2014 and 2015 Regina was a WA until December 2019) until recently was the Executive Officer of the State Finalist in the Telstra Business peak aquaculture industry body, the Women’s Awards. Aquaculture Council of Western Mr Bradley Adams is a third- Australia. Prior to this position, Tina generation fisherman who has been worked for the Department of involved in the commercial abalone Fisheries for more than 20 years with industry all his life. Brad was a positions in the Regional Services commercial abalone diver for many Division, Aquaculture Program and years and pioneered sea-based Fish Health Section, and has broad abalone culture technology. He is the experience in aquatic biosecurity founder and Managing Director of policy, legislation, compliance and Ocean Grown Abalone Ltd, an ASX research. Tina has been appointed to listed seafood company based in

7 and the Chair from 2011-2013. He currently serves as President of the Abalone Association of Australasia and is a director of the Aquaculture Association of Western Australia. Mrs Michelle Allen (until December 2019) has a farming background and experience as a grain and producer in the Northern Agricultural Region of Western Australia. She has been involved at local, State and national levels mainly in the fields of biosecurity, natural resource management and grains research and development. Michelle has 15 years’ experience with biosecurity policy and regulation in WA, and served on the Agriculture Protection Board of WA (APB) for 11 years. The APB had statutory responsibility for the control and management of declared plant and animal pests in the State. During that time she chaired a Parliamentary Review of the WA Wild Dog Control Program. Michelle is an inaugural member of the Biosecurity Council. Ms Nicole Batten is a Director of Batten Farms – an 8000 hectare broadacre grain and livestock property 500km north-east of Perth. She has worked in natural resource management and community

development in the northern Image 1. Timber plantation. agricultural area of Western Australia Biosecurity is important for the for many years, and is a Councillor for ongoing productivity of Western the Shire of Chapman Valley. Nicole Australia’s timber and forestry also sits on the Rabobank Local industries. Client Council as well as the Grower Augusta. Brad has a keen interest in Group Alliance board, and is the aquatic biosecurity as healthy marine former National and State are essential to the future Chairperson for Partners in Grain of sustainable fishing and aquaculture (now known as Rural Edge). She is production of seafood. Brad was also an Australian Institute of Company a Director of the Western Australian Directors member and heavily Fishing Industry Council (2009-2011) involved in her local grower group.

8 Dr David Bowran is a graduate of health’ concept that recognises that the University of Western Australia the health of people, animals and the having completed his Bachelor of are inextricably woven Science in Agriculture in 1978 and his together. He initiated the international Doctor of Philosophy (Agronomy) in One Health Congress and is currently 1990. David joined the WA the Vice-Chair of the One Health Department of Agriculture in 1985 Platform foundation. He co-wrote the and spent 30 years working in a proposal and served as the interim diverse range of roles with the Chief Executive Officer of the Department. While primarily a Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Officer in the Weeds Research Centre, was a member of section for his early career, he went the Commonwealth Biosecurity on to manage the Integrated Weed Advisory Council and has undertaken Management project and then various consultancies for the became the Manager for the Grains Commonwealth Health Department program. David was also Acting and Australian Quarantine and Executive Director for Plant Industries Inspection Service. within the Department for 15 months, Dr Kelly Pearce is a grain and prime with responsibility for Plant lamb producer from Yealering in Biosecurity during that period. David Western Australia along with her has a strong interest in plant family. Kelly has had a 16-year career breeding, climate change and climate in Agricultural Research and forecasting and how these disciplines continues to coordinate a number of interact in improving crop production. regional science and innovation David currently has a small farm at projects through her regionally-based York. business Wheatbelt Science Pty Ltd., Prof. John Mackenzie has had a and has recently taken up a position long involvement in biosecurity and as a Research Fellow with the global health security, with a strong Australian Farm Institute. Kelly is also background in human and animal a Director of the Western Australian . Over recent years, John’s Meat Industry Authority, Grower interests have broadened to Group Alliance and Farmers Mutual encompass global outbreak alert and Limited, and a Committee member of response activities, including the the Corrigin Farm Improvement development of international Group and the WA Sheep and Goat surveillance within the International Industry Funding Scheme Health Regulations, chairing the Management Committee. Kelly is a Steering Committee of the World 2012 Nuffield Scholar and Graduate Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global of the Australian Institute of Company Outbreak Alert and Response Directors. Network and participating as a member of the WHO’s Emergency Committee for COVID-19, instituted by the WHO Director General under the International Health Regulations. John is an advocate of the ‘one

9 Mr Cliff Winfield is a third generation and using interpretation to primary producer. He has held communicate science objectives. Cliff positions across the State in the is a Member of Manjimup Shire Department of Agriculture and Council, a board member of the Department of Parks and Wildlife South West Catchments Council predecessors. He then moved to NRM, community member of the Manjimup to develop a vineyard and Geographic Names Committee, pulpwood plantation, and currently a committee member of WA Citrus and citrus orchard. He has a long a member of the Australian Institute involvement in biosecurity of Company Directors. management from local government, conservation agency and primary producer perspectives. Cliff is a keen The membership of the Biosecurity advocate for community involvement Council is summarised in Table 1.

Table 1. Summary of the terms of members of the Biosecurity Council of WA.

Name Position Expiry of term

Prof. Simon McKirdy1 Chair 30 June 2021

Ms Tina Thorne Deputy Chair 31 December 2019

Dr Regina Flugge2 Member/Deputy Chair 27 February 2021

Mr Bradley Adams3 Member 30 June 2021

Mrs Michelle Allen Member 31 December 2019

Ms Nicole Batten4 Member 31 December 2021

Dr David Bowran Member 27 February 2021

Prof. John Mackenzie Member 27 February 2021

Dr Kelly Pearce4 Member 31 December 2022

Mr Cliff Winfield Member 27 February 2021

1 Reappointed from 1 January 2020 2 Appointed as Deputy Chair from 28 February 2020 3 Appointed from 20 April 2020 4 Appointed from 1 January 2020

10 Council activities in 2019/20 Overview In order to develop constructive The Council engaged consultants to advice, it is important for the report on the status of, and gaps in, Biosecurity Council to understand the biosecurity R&D in WA and funding needs and challenges of industry, opportunities. A two-stage process government and the community, and was used: how changes to the biosecurity 1. A review of biosecurity R&D system might impact these groups. strategies and status reports at During 2019/20 the Council continued national and State levels to monitor biosecurity-related developments at national and State 2. Consultation with a range of levels and proactively engaged with stakeholders involved in industry, community and government biosecurity in WA and interstate. on biosecurity matters. The key areas This information informed Council’s of advice that were progressed during analysis of the situation and its advice the year were: to the Minister, which was delivered in • biosecurity research and November 2019. development Through this work, it was highlighted • border biosecurity that is: • the declaration of non- • a shared responsibility; and agricultural pests under the • a science-based system that BAM Act; and requires ongoing R&D to • recognised biosecurity groups underpin its integrity. and declared pest rates. With these in mind, Council This section of the report documents concluded that WA needs to the activities undertaken by the strengthen its involvement in the Council during the year. national biosecurity agenda. There are real opportunities to engage Biosecurity research and nationally and lead research and development innovation that will benefit WA; however, to do this, WA first needs to Research and development (R&D) is clearly demonstrate its biosecurity crucial to managing WA’s biosecurity science expertise. risks and threats. There is, however, a perception that these risks and threats could be better recognised Putting WA’s science nationally to provide opportunities to expertise and financial access funding for R&D activities relevant to WA’s biosecurity. resources on the table The Minister requested Council will draw in more advice on opportunities to enhance opportunities. biosecurity R&D funding in the State.

11 Council recommendations Recommendation 1: WA, through biosecurity research and innovation. DPIRD, establish, coordinate and An ongoing program of applied drive a biosecurity R&D network research and technology across WA. DPIRD is in prime development is necessary for high- position to work with stakeholders to performing scientists to be attracted identify WA’s biosecurity R&D and retained in agencies, along with priorities. Understanding the R&D resourcing for them to engage priorities will enable DPIRD to drive externally. For WA to be perceived as the R&D agenda and, therefore, an attractive R&D partner, drawing ensure meaningful biosecurity more opportunities to the State and research and innovation that will taking strategic leads on national benefit the State. projects, it must attract and retain Recommendation 2: DPIRD science excellence in-house. establishes a baseline for its science The Council also identified seven capability that extends beyond opportunities to build WA’s ‘response readiness’ to engaging in biosecurity science capability and enhance its R&D opportunities (Table 2).

Image 2. DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services staff testing new diagnostic methods for detecting livestock diseases.

12 Table 2. Opportunities for WA to engage in national biosecurity research and innovation, where WA has a comparative advantage.

Opportunity Notes

Tailor application of next generation With DNA sequencing and ‘omics’ methodologies sequencing to DPIRD policy and now widespread and affordable as a research tool, regulatory responsibilities, including there is an ongoing challenge of how it is applied in a validating emerging environmental regulatory and trade sensitive environment. The new DNA (eDNA) use by third parties. frontier of eDNA detection of invasive species is a Engage with, and determine how the particular challenge. WA has now opened the Australian National Phenome Centre Australian National Phenome Centre, which is can be effectively utilised for unmatched for capability in the southern hemisphere biosecurity and arguably the world Explore the possibility of a new While priority pest lists might usefully serve a national collaborative entity in biosecurity risk purpose, there is a widespread view that such lists assessment that commits to an have limited utility in WA. A better but not fully ongoing risk assessment and developed approach is to investigate and model prioritisation program suited to WA categories of threats for a region/industry or the State Explore how DPIRD can engage with: Biosecurity is on the cusp of a digital revolution. the National Biosecurity Committee DPIRD has the opportunity to join this technology working group’s national list of unfolding. This could be through direct partnerships, biosecurity research and innovation or it could be a role taken on by a State-based priority projects; relevant ‘innovation university centres’; and with innovators in technology development Accelerate the roll-out of MyPestGuide Among the various tools and apps in the name of and consolidate this with a vision for citizen science, DPIRD’s MyPestGuide Reporter strategic and targeted application to stands out. There is a larger, unfulfilled potential of priority pest pathways the app Commit science and resources for This will help attract and retain quality scientists ongoing applied research in the areas whilst also delivering positive biosecurity outcomes of prevention, disinfestation and eradication techniques, for high priority biosecurity risks Consider a small grants program that Research and innovation in the areas of prevention, partners industry with innovators to disinfestation and eradication is very much in the transform biosecurity hygiene and industry’s best interest and largely a private good. control options This could be administered through the Industry Funding Schemes or as an ‘innovation challenge program’ Explore a collaborative program with WA’s success at protecting native species from national reach for research and invasive and animals provides a strong innovation in safekeeping threatened foundation native species WA has a comparative advantage to lead nationally and engage globally, given the unique ecosystems and species that exist here

Engaging in biosecurity research and innovation nationally will help build and retain WA’s science excellence – but it is important to be strategic in where efforts are placed.

13 Declared pest rates and recognised biosecurity groups Issues around recognised biosecurity • Operational issues relating to groups (RBGs) and declared pest RBG operations, including pest rates (DPRs) continued to be raised management activities. with the Council by both individuals The issues paper, which made two and organisations. The way the recommendations, was provided to approach is being implemented is DPIRD in February 2020. generating polarised views in some local governments/communities. The Minister has since asked the Biosecurity Council to implement the During the year, the Council prepared recommendations. a paper to document the key issues relating to the DPR/RBG approach, Council recommendations based on its observations and Recommendation 1: Undertake an understanding of how RBGs are independent review of the DPR/RBG implemented in WA. approach, taking into account the The issues paper identified nine nine issues identified in the issues strategic issues relating to three key paper. areas: Recommendation 2: Determine the • Strategic intent of the DPR/RBG return on investment for the State by approach undertaking detailed case studies (including benefit-cost analyses) on a • Implementing the DPR/RBG number of diverse RBGs. approach; and

Image 3. Feral pigs feeding at a bait station. Feral pigs are just one example of the pest animals being targeted through recognised biosecurity groups.

14 Declaration of non-agricultural species under the BAM Act The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) raised concerns about the process of declaring non-agricultural pests under the BAM Act. In particular, DBCA highlighted that delays in making declarations was affecting its ability to undertake the actions necessary to address certain environmental pests. Council spoke to key stakeholders to clarify the declaration process and challenges in relation to pests/ Image 4. Border checkpoint to diseases that have a primary impact stop and declare biosecurity upon WA’s . risk material. Recommendations were put forward Border biosecurity by the Council to DPIRD and DBCA. WA’s long history of border controls Council recommendations and other biosecurity activities, coupled with the State’s geography, Recommendation 1: Clarify the has provided a relatively bio-secure declaration process, including State free from many pests and principles/criteria for declaration. This diseases found elsewhere in should be done collaboratively to Australia. However, maintaining our ensure a shared understanding. biosecurity is becoming increasingly Recommendation 2: Ensure the complex. With ever-increasing Minister is aware that the Biosecurity pressures on the border system, it is Council (and others) are able to important that border biosecurity can provide advice on declarations, in adapt to the changing environment. accordance with the BAM Act – if this Further, resource constraints mean it will facilitate timely declarations. is more important than ever to ensure that border activities are being Recommendation 3: The Biosecurity targeted in the most effective way. Senior Officers Group takes a more proactive role in working Ausvet Pty Ltd were contracted to collaboratively to create multi-agency develop a draft report on WA’s partnerships. current border biosecurity system and ways that it may be improved. The Recommendation 4: Provide draft report was reviewed and refined opportunities for officers involved in by a panel with expertise across biosecurity to actively engage and plant, animal and aquatic biosecurity. share intelligence around biosecurity issues. The goal is to create a more The Council are considering the team-oriented and whole-of- report and expects to finalise its government approach to biosecurity advice for the Minister and DPIRD in threats. the 2020/21 reporting period.

15 Environmental biosecurity Biosecurity perceptions During investigations of cross-agency Previous work undertaken by the collaboration, the Council identified a Council highlighted biosecurity fundamental breakdown in situations awareness as an important factor where biosecurity actions span influencing and supporting WA’s multiple State Government agencies biosecurity system. However, no – such as for environmental study has been undertaken to date to biosecurity. The reasons for this determine what ‘biosecurity’ means to breakdown are complex. In late 2016 Western Australians. the Council resolved to further this Government biosecurity work by looking at how environmental communications often focus on the biosecurity is being addressed in WA. tactical/operational business (e.g. The Council delivered its report on what to do with regard to specific environmental biosecurity to the pests); however, a long-term focus for Directors General of DPIRD and communications is necessary to DBCA in February 2018. The report increase compliance, build made five strategic recommendations engagement and improve public to support the integration of acceptance (social licence). environmental biosecurity as a core Understanding how Western function of DPIRD, with effective Australians perceive biosecurity is cross-agency collaboration to drive it. critical to inform policy and underpin During 2019/20, the Council’s report biosecurity communication/extension/ was provided to the Minister for education/engagement strategies Agriculture and Food and the Minister that, when implemented, will have for Environment, for consideration. impact. During 2019/20, the Council Biosecurity funding developed its work plan for this area, mechanisms including liaising with organisations The Council has kept a watching brief that have undertaken similar studies on biosecurity funding mechanisms in other parts of Australia and since it provided advice in this area in overseas. Council will continue to 2016. With the proposed review of the develop the process for undertaking BAM Act, it is timely to review the this area of work in 2020/21. current biosecurity funding mechanisms to identify gaps and Quadruple bottom line of opportunities. An important biosecurity component of this work will be It is important to understand the value implementing the recommendations proposition of a bio-secure WA. This from the Council’s work on the DPR/ information can be used to help build RBG approach, as discussed above. biosecurity understanding across Government, industry and During the 2019/20 year, the Council community, improve attitudes toward developed its work plan to guide its biosecurity and aid in resource investigations in this area. It will allocation. undertake the work during the next reporting period.

16 Analyses often focus primarily on the bottlebrush and lilly pilly. The rust economic costs and benefits. causes shoot dieback, reduced However, in terms of biosecurity, the establishment of new plants and other less tangible aspects are just as death in some species. It is important to understand and established in eastern Australia but is potentially more meaningful to much not yet present in WA. of the community. Being able to Ongoing Council discussions on the confidently articulate the social, threat of myrtle rust, and its environmental, cultural and economic participation in a forest health (quadruple bottom line) value of WA’s workshop in February 2019, biosecurity system is critical. culminated in Council agreeing to During 2019/20, the Council prepare a briefing for the Minister developed its work plan for this area. detailing the risk to WA from myrtle It will continue to develop the process rust and opportunities for for undertaking this area of work preparedness activities. during 2020/21. Since that time, the Council Myrtle rust preparedness participated in a DPIRD-led myrtle Myrtle rust is a highly mobile plant rust workshop. This gave the Council pathogen that infects young, actively confidence that the Government growing foliage of plants within the agencies were taking a proactive, Myrtaceae family such as WA collaborative approach to myrtle rust Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa), many prevention, preparedness and early detection. Council is maintaining a eucalypyt and melaleuca species and watching brief in this space. garden plants such as Geraldton wax,

Image 5. Myrtle rust on Agonis ‘After Dark’.

17 Engagement • National Biosecurity Interactions with Government Committee’s National Biosecurity Roundtable Biosecurity Senior Officers Group (November 2019); and (BSOG) • Consultation with the Office of As part of its role to advise the the Auditor General on its Minister and DPIRD Director General, follow-up audit on managing the the Biosecurity Council liaises with impact of plant and animal pests the BSOG. The BSOG is comprised (November 2019). of senior staff from State Government agencies that have biosecurity Engagement with industry and responsibilities including DPIRD community (Chair), DBCA and the Forest Over the course of the year, the Products Commission. The Biosecurity Council were invited to Department of Defence present at or participate in various (Commonwealth) participates on the industry and community events. The BSOG as an ex officio member. More Council used these opportunities to recently, the following agencies have highlight the role of the Council, the been invited to participate in BSOG work being undertaken and, where meetings, given their involvement in appropriate, its recommendations on biosecurity: key issues. During 2019/20, this • the Department of Health included: • the Department of Water and • A presentation at the WALGA Environmental Regulation; and Pest Animal Biosecurity • the WA Local Government Management forum Association (WALGA). • Presented to the steering Throughout 2019/20 the Council committee for the formation of a continued to keep the BSOG Manjimup region biosecurity informed of its work. Similarly, the group BSOG, via its Chair, has actively • Attended the National AgDay participated at each ordinary Council Forum meeting to provide Council with • Attended the nursery industry’s updates on the key issues and Greenlife national conference; biosecurity activities at State and and national levels. • Government-coordinated Participated on the WA Feral engagement and learning Cat Working Group. The Council participated in the Website following government-coordinated Up-to-date information about the activities during 2019/20: Biosecurity Council continues to be freely available on the Biosecurity • DPIRD’s myrtle rust workshop Council’s webpages on the DPIRD (November 2019) Agriculture and Food website.

18 Regional visit The Biosecurity Council resolved to vessels. The region had also been hold one of its meetings in a regional heavily involved in a recent location each year. The intent of the biosecurity response to the exotic regional visits is to: bacterial disease, citrus canker. • Engage with local/regional The visit enabled the Council to meet stakeholders on biosecurity with a number of biosecurity stakeholders to discuss their views on • Build networks/relationships with the status of biosecurity in WA and key biosecurity stakeholders biosecurity concerns. • Provide a conduit to Council took the opportunity to tour government/agencies for the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical local/regional stakeholders. Agriculture to see the research trials In August 2019, the Council held its being undertaken and discuss first regional visit in Kununurra. The biosecurity practices. It also visited East Kimberley has a unique set of the border checkpoint where frontline biosecurity challenges – it is an staff are tasked with ensuring important horticulture growing region, biosecurity risk material does not there is a large pastoral presence, it enter WA. adjoins the border The issues raised with the Council and is in close proximity to Indonesia, during the visit have been discussed it is a hub for tourism, it is a with DPIRD and the Minister. biodiversity hotspot and there are Importantly, the visit helped Council growing developments through the better understand the needs and expansion of the irrigation area, major challenges of industry and how aquaculture projects and an changes to the biosecurity system increasing number of sea-going might impact these groups.

Image 6. Biosecurity Council members and consultant, Dr John Edwards (far left), at the Frank Wise Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Kununurra.

19 Meetings During the 2019/20 year, the Furthermore, the Council must give Biosecurity Council formally appropriate consideration to national convened four times. It also held four and international treaties and half-day Council workshops and two obligations. To support this, Council virtual sessions. The Deputy Director meeting agendas included General (Sustainability and presentations that address key Biosecurity, DPIRD) and the DPIRD biosecurity activities and issues. Biosecurity Executive Director, were Table 4 lists the presentations made invited to attend each meeting. to the Council during 2019/20. Table 3 documents Council member In addition to these, the Chair of the meeting attendance. cross-agency BSOG provided an It is important that the Council is update on current biosecurity aware of changing industry, activities, advances and issues from community and environment needs, both national and State perspectives and of options for balancing the at each meeting. demands of different industries.

Table 3. Biosecurity Council member meeting attendance (2019/20).

Meetings Workshops Zoom Name attended attended sessions Mr Brad Adams1 1 1 2

Mrs Michelle Allen2 0 0 N/A

Ms Nicole Batten3 2 2 2

Dr David Bowran 4 4 2

Dr Regina Flugge 4 4 2

Prof. John Mackenzie 3 3 2

Dr Kelly Pearce3 2 2 2

Prof. Simon McKirdy 4 4 2

Ms Tina Thorne2 2 2 N/A

Mr Cliff Winfield 4 4 2

1 Appointment term commenced 20 April 2020 2 Appointment term ended 31 December 2019 3 Appointment term commenced 1 January 2020

20 Governance As a Government board, the recorded and reviewed at each Biosecurity Council is conscious of quarterly meeting. the need for good governance Furthermore, the Council operated systems and practices. During within the bounds of the Duty 2019/20, the Council abided by its Statements set out for the Chair, Code of Conduct and acted with Members and Executive Officer, and integrity, as set out in the Western in accordance with the BAM Act and Australian Public Sector Code of Instrument of Appointment (Appendix Ethics. Conflicts of Interest were A).

Table 4. Presentations to the Biosecurity Council during 2019/20.

Date Title Name Organisation 9 Aug 2019 East Kimberley biosecurity John Paul Slaven DPIRD update 9 Aug 2019 Biosecurity in the David Chemello DBCA Kimberley 9 Aug 2019 RDC role and biosecurity Andrew Beer Kimberley Development Commission 9 Aug 2019 The Northern Australia Cassandra Department of Quarantine Strategy: A Wittwer Agriculture biosecurity frontline 8 Nov 2019 Environmental biosecurity Ian Thompson Department of Agriculture 28 Feb 2020 Fall army worm update Jessica DPIRD Bennington 28 Feb 2020 Red imported fire ant Jessica DPIRD update Bennington 28 Feb 2020 Myrtle rust update Jessica DPIRD Bennington 28 Feb 2020 Inspector General of Rob Delane Department of Biosecurity Agriculture

21 Progress on past Council recommendations This section reports on Government Biosecurity R&D (2019) activities to address the unresolved See the previous section for recommendations made by Council information on the advice provided to over the past three years. The Government. information on implementing the recommendations was provided to Implementing the Council from the agencies. recommendations Declared pest rates and The report was considered by the recognised biosecurity groups BSOG. It was generally agreed that (2020) establishing, coordinating and driving a biosecurity R&D network across See the previous section for WA is an important endeavour and information on the advice provided to should provide long-term benefits. Government. Further consideration is required to Implementing the determine how the Council recommendations recommendations can be realised. The Minister asked the Biosecurity Sustaining a biosecurity Council to implement the response (2019) recommendations. Through its work The Minister for Agriculture and Food on Biosecurity Funding Mechanisms, requested the Council investigate the Council will coordinate an ability of the then Department of independent review of the DPR/RBG Agriculture and Food to sustain a approach and determine the return on high-level biosecurity response while investment for the State. This work retaining the integrity of its budget will be undertaken during 2020/21 in and other functions. With the collaboration with DPIRD. amalgamation of the Department of Declaration of non-agricultural Agriculture and Food into DPIRD, this species (2020) work was expanded to help shape change in an agency with a larger See the previous section for biosecurity function and with broader information on the advice provided to skills, resources and regional Government. presence. Implementing the In June 2019 the Council delivered its recommendations report on ‘sustaining a biosecurity The BSOG will consider the Council’s response’ to the Minister and Director recommendations and how these can General of DPIRD. be implemented in 2020/21. Nevertheless, greater coordination, engagement and collaboration is anticipated now that the departmental restructures have been finalised.

22 Implementing the recommendations DPIRD has made progress towards the findings in the report as part of a Departmental restructure and resultant change in reporting lines and composition of Incident and Emergency Management area. DPIRD continues to put in place actions and processes to support its ability to sustain a biosecurity response. Multiple biosecurity incursions since the report was delivered have provided further opportunity for the department to assess outcomes, review the suitability of structures and processes and identify areas in which further work is required. Environmental biosecurity (2018) As described previously, in late 2016 the Council resolved to further its work on cross-agency collaboration by focusing on how environmental biosecurity is being addressed in WA. In February 2018 the Council delivered its report on environmental biosecurity to the Directors General of DPIRD and DBCA. The report was later provided to the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Minister for Environment. The report made five strategic recommendations to ensure the Image 7. Installing a camera to integration of environmental monitor feral animal biosecurity as a core function of movements. DPIRD, with effective cross-agency collaboration to drive it.

23 Implementing the Biosecurity and market access recommendations (2017) Delivering environmental biosecurity In late April 2017, the Minister outcomes across the State remains a requested advice from the Council on challenge. DPIRD and DBCA the capability and capacity of (the continue to work together to facilitate then) Department of Agriculture and greater collaboration and Food for securing market access in a understanding of responsibilities, horticultural biosecurity incident. The priorities and resource allocation Council used a recent incursion of relating to environmental biosecurity. tomato-potato psyllid as a starting Further work is required to improve point for advising on how agency understanding of biosecurity as a capability could be improved for shared responsibility and to clarify future biosecurity incidents. and embed the responsibilities of all In June 2017 the Council put forward stakeholders, including private 11 recommendations. These were landholders. designed to help address staff DPIRD continues to deliver control capacity and capability issues and and eradication programs for support the preparedness of the specified environmental pests to department for future market access prevent them establishing in WA, negotiations. including red imported fire ant and Implementing the browsing ant. DPIRD has also recommendations partnered with the Commonwealth As documented in the 2018/19 Government on Indian Ocean Annual Report of the Biosecurity Territory projects that address weeds Council, many of the and species of environmental and recommendations have been social concern, such as yellow crazy implemented by DPIRD. ants and macao paper wasps. DPIRD continues to build its industry networks through its involvement with industry biosecurity advisory committees.

Image 8. Inspecting a fruit fly trap.

24 Cost of Council operations in 2019/20 The direct costs of the Council’s Executive Officer and administrative operation during the 2019/20 support was provided by DPIRD, as reporting year amounted to $209 403 well as other services to the Council (Table 5). such as accounting and general support.

Table 5. Biosecurity Council of Western Australia expenditure for 2019/20.

Description Total $

Board fees 118 988

Consultancies 67 062

Travel expenses 19 481

Meeting/workshop expenses 2 385

Fees and registrations 1 023

Communication services 236

Printing/consumables 228

TOTAL 209 403

Notes: 1. Data sourced from the accounting records of DPIRD. 2. Costs of executive, accounting, administrative and other general support are not included.

25 Direction for 2020/2021 The Council has two major pieces of addition, it is a biodiversity hotspot work planned for 2020/21: with large tracts of natural bushland and aquatic environments making • Advice to Government on the environmental biosecurity paramount. effectiveness of border biosecurity activities. The recent introduction of DPRs in the area has been a cause of • Advice to Government on contention for some. With Council mechanisms for funding working to provide advice on biosecurity in WA. This includes biosecurity funding mechanisms, an independent review of the including the DPR/RBG approach, it DPR/RBG approach, as will be timely to visit the region and requested by the Minister. hear first-hand from biosecurity In addition, the Council will undertake groups and associated stakeholders initial investigations to: The BAM Act review is planned to • Better understand how Western commence in 2020/21. Council Australians perceive anticipate this to be a key feature on ‘biosecurity’ and their role in its 2020/21 agenda. In addition to pest and disease prevention, providing advice on the operation of surveillance and response; and the BAM Act, the Council look forward to providing feedback on the review’s • Identify the value proposition of scope and terms of reference. biosecurity actions for invasive species in WA. The Council will actively maintain its good relationships with the BSOG, Following the success of its regional DPIRD and senior biosecurity staff visit to Kununurra, the Council plan to across agencies. It will also continue hold its 2020/21 regional visit in its program of holding its quarterly Augusta. The south-west region is meetings at different locations to help home to a large and diverse strengthen relationships across the horticultural sector, aquaculture sectors involved in addressing WA’s enterprises as well as livestock, all for biosecurity – agriculture, fisheries, which biosecurity is important. In environment and forestry.

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27 Acronyms APB Agriculture Protection Board BAM Act Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 BSOG Biosecurity Senior Officers Group DBCA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions DNA deoxyribonucleic acid DPIRD Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development DPR Declared pest rate eDNA environmental DNA R&D Research and development RBG Recognised Biosecurity Group RDC Regional Development Commission WA Western Australia WALGA Western Australian Local Government Association WHO World Health Organisation

28 Appendix A Copy of Instrument of Appointment BIOSECURITY AND AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT ACT 2007 INSTRUMENT ESTABLISHING AND APPOINTING MEMBERS OF THE BIOSECURITY COUNCIL.

1. This instrument replaces the instrument signed on 25 November 2019, and comes into effect on 20 April 2020. 2. As required by section 48(1) of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, the Biosecurity Council is established and the following persons are appointed as members of the Council for the term specified.

Members Term

Professor Simon McKIRDY (Chairperson) for a term expiring on 30 June 2021

Mr Bradley ADAMS for a term expiring on 30 June 2021

Mrs Nicole BATTEN for a term expiring on 31 December 2021

Dr David BOWRAN for a term expiring on 27 February 2021

Dr Regina FLUGGE for a term expiring on 27 February 2021

Professor John MACKENZIE for a term expiring on 27 February 2021

Dr Kelly PEARCE for a term expiring on 31 December 2022

Mr Clifford WINFIELD for a term expiring on 27 February 2021

3. Set out below are the matters on which the Council is to give advice and other matters relating to the operation and procedures of the Council:

MATTERS ON WHICH COUNCIL IS TO GIVE ADVICE

The Council is to give advice to the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (the Act) Minister and Director General on any matter related to biosecurity and in particular:

1. The requirements of a comprehensive and effective biosecurity system for the State of Western Australia (WA) and necessary linkages to other biosecurity systems (national and international). 2. Significant gaps in or necessary improvements to, the biosecurity system. 3. Opportunities to improve industry and public awareness and support for biosecurity objectives. 4. Opportunities to improve government, community and industry cooperation and collaboration on biosecurity matters.

29 5. Matters referred to the Council by the Minister or the Director General. MATTERS RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF THE COUNCIL

The Council should:

1. Be strategic by adopting a long term perspective for biosecurity in WA and by giving appropriate consideration to national and international obligations. 2. Be aware of changing industry, community and environment needs and of options for balancing the demands of different interests. 3. Provide advice to others, including to other Ministers and Directors General, only when specifically permitted. 4. Act and be seen to act with integrity, as set out in the WA Public Sector Code of Ethics.

On or before 30 November of each year, the Council must prepare and submit to the Minister an annual report on its activities throughout the preceding financial year in accordance with section 50 of the Act.

MEETINGS AND CONDUCT OF THE COUNCIL

The Council is to hold four ordinary meetings each year. For consideration of issues out-of-session, agenda papers will be directed to all members by the Secretariat and the outcome of any decision will be communicated to all members.

The Chair may convene special meetings of the Council if it is necessary to deal with any urgent matters requested by the Minister or Director General.

The Council must maintain a formal record of its proceedings and make that record available to the Minister and the Director General or their nominees.

Signed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food on 20 April 2020

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