The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has entered an agreement with Biosecurity New Zealand to cooperate on trials of innovative technologies to improve both countries’ biosecurity operations.
Deputy Secretary responsible for Biosecurity at DAWR, Lyn O’Connell said the Trans-Tasman Cooperation on Biosecurity Risk Detection Technology would mean that new x-ray technologies being trialled in Australia could be used in both countries.
“Our Department inspects millions of passengers, mail parcels, baggage and cargo containers every year,” Ms O’Connell said.
She said these new technologies could allow the Department to do this faster and more effectively.
“Through this collaboration with New Zealand, we are developing and trialling the next generation of x-ray technology, which has the potential to automatically detect biosecurity risk material in baggage and mail items,” Ms O’Connell said.
She said this would be a first for both countries and would increase their ability to swiftly identify risk material and better target high-risk items, individuals and entities to safeguard them from pest and disease risks.
Head of Biosecurity New Zealand, Roger Smith said the commitment to cooperate reflected a shared understanding of the importance of building future biosecurity capabilities.
“Detecting biosecurity risks at the border is becoming increasingly complex for both Australia and New Zealand, with more diverse risks — and volumes of passengers, mail and cargo expected to rise significantly in coming years,” Mr Smith said.
“Working together to explore emerging technologies and innovative use of technologies will be mutually beneficial and help both our countries anticipate and meet future challenges.”
