The department has already identified a number of areas for improvement to the current system, and has initiated work to address these areas. These initiatives are acknowledged in the report and some comments are made.
The findings of the report are presented under three themes, Prevention, Early Detection and Response.
Under Prevention, the report examines how approaching threats are identified and Australia’s import conditions are managed to reflect the identified pest risks.
Under Early Detection, the current pest surveillance and diagnostic systems are examined, including impediments to early pest reporting.
Finally, under Response, the report looks at the continued use of Contingency Plans, the arrangements for managing responses on land under Commonwealth control, managing pests that predominantly impact on the environment and the arrangements for managing pest detections in northern Australia.
If you have any questions, please contact nspcoordinator@phau.com.au.
Author(s): Rob Schwartz Consulting
Published: 1 October, 2015
Date added: 20 March, 2025
Any unusual plant pest, disease or weed should be reported.
Reporting hotlines operate in both Australia and New Zealand (numbers shown below).
Australian Exotic Plant Pest Hotline
New Zealand Pest and Disease Hotline
Pests can also be reported using apps, such as MyPestGuide® for Australia, that allow you to submit a photo of the pest or symptoms.
Every report is taken seriously and handled confidentially. Management of calls varies in different areas, but to the same end.
Join a community of professionals dedicated to strengthening surveillance capacity and capability across the Australasia-Pacific region.
Join the network
