Australian Biosecurity

A funeral keepsake card with seeds was declared by a passenger returning from the UK, however it didn’t meet import conditions.

The traveller intended on planting the seeds in a memorial garden of their own.

Sadly, the seeds didn’t meet import conditions and were disposed of.

The traveller understood the importance of protecting Australia’s environment.

Today is World Environment Day 🌱

Australia is home to unique plants, animals and ecosystems found nowhere else. Pests, weeds and diseases can put these at risk.

Environmental biosecurity helps protect the places we love—from our natural landscapes to our communities.

We work with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and industry partners on key environmental biosecurity issues.

Everyone has a role to play. Small actions can help stop pests and diseases from entering Australia or spreading inside our borders, because Australia is worth protecting.

A traveller declared dried snails and cow hide (kpomo).

These items didn’t meet import conditions and were disposed of.

Giant African snails and untreated hides pose serious biosecurity risks.

The Australian Biosecurity Awards recognises individuals, groups and organisations protecting Australia’s natural environment from pests, weeds and diseases through leadership, collaboration and on ground action.

Last year’s winners of the Environmental Biosecurity award, Dr Geoff Pegg and Aj Perkins, were recognised for their long term partnership and sustained efforts to strengthen forest health and protect culturally significant species from biosecurity threats such as myrtle rust.

Their work shows how collaboration and persistence can deliver lasting environmental and biosecurity outcomes.

Know someone making a strong contribution to environmental biosecurity? Nominate them today 👉 Visit https://srkr.io/6181BDqb

Biosecurity officers spotted undeclared leaf hats from Vietnam at Brisbane Airport.

These weren’t your average souvenir — they were made from fresh leaves.

Think ahead and declare all plant and animal materials.

Great farm biosecurity takes commitment, good planning and strong day-to-day practices. 🚜🌾

🐏 Ella Matta Pastoral exemplified this approach, earning them the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year award in 2025.

Their proactive, on-farm biosecurity measures help protect livestock, land and the wider community, demonstrating how strong practices support Australia’s biosecurity system.💬👇

Animal Health Australia
Plant Health Australia

At the Brisbane North Parcel Facility, our highly trained biosecurity officers are on the frontline—screening international parcels arriving by mail and air freight using advanced technology, detector dogs and expert judgement.

Their work helps stop harmful pests and diseases at the border, protecting Australia’s environment, agriculture and our way of life. As more people shop online or send goods from overseas, every parcel matters. That’s why all international parcels arriving in Australia are assessed for biosecurity risk, including items such as food, plant material (like seeds and succulents) and animal products.

Before sending or ordering goods from overseas, check what’s allowed and make sure items are declared accurately to avoid delays, extra costs or goods being seized.