Centre for researching biosecurity risk analysis

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), as part of its commitment to biosecurity reform, has formed a relationship with the University of Melbourne.

The university has been awarded $7.8 million over four years to establish the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA). The centre will build on the work of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis (ACERA), established in 2006.

DAFF Secretary Andrew Metcalfe AO signed a deed at a ceremony held at the University of Melbourne this month. Metcalfe said the centre will provide advice on national biosecurity issues and encompass research from a range of different research specialities, strengthening DAFF’s science-based approach to biosecurity decisions.

“Managing Australia’s biosecurity system is a big job. This research will inform robust policy and operational decisions that help concentrate our efforts on the areas of greatest risk,” he said.

Environmental risk expert Professor Mark Burgman, from the university’s School of Botany, will lead the team of world-class specialists from a range of fields, including statistics, biophysical science and socioeconomics.

Professor Burgman said the centre could look at biosecurity from a national perspective and build an international research community in partnership with government and other stakeholders.

Metcalfe said the centre will build on current reform initiatives as the department continues to focus on delivering a modern system that is responsive and targeted.

“We are working on the design and construction of a new post-entry quarantine facility that will provide Australia with the most advanced technology and operating practices available to manage high-risk plant and animal imports,” he said.

“Through biosecurity reform, we are focusing on building a sustainable system that manages risk and better supports consistent service delivery. We are improving biosecurity operations in Australia and offshore and strengthening stakeholder relationships.”

The four-year grant takes effect from 1 July.