Biosecurity
Why national representation matters
Without GIA:
- you’d need to understand every exotic pest and disease
- you’d have no say in how responses are run
- you’d carry 100% of the biosecurity risk and costs.
With GIA:
- you’re part of a national biosecurity system
- you’re eligible for compensation if affected by an official response
- you have a dedicated industry body advocating for you.
Biosecurity might happen behind the scenes – but when you need it, you’ll be glad it’s there.
What is biosecurity?
Biosecurity means protecting our industry from pests, diseases and weeds that could harm our plants, livelihoods or trade.
For production nurseries, that includes:
- quarantining new plants when they arrive
- checking crops regularly for pest and disease signs
- cleaning equipment, vehicles and tools
- following clear steps if something goes wrong
It’s about prevention first – and having a plan if things go pear-shaped.
We respond to emerging issues more often than you might think. On average, GIA deals with more than one new plant pest or biosecurity concern each fortnight.
Why it matters
A serious pest or disease outbreak (called an ‘incursion’) can shut your gates – fast. Without warning, you might be told to stop trading, destroy stock or carry out costly treatments.
Without industry-wide systems and support, you’d be responsible for:
- managing the crisis yourself
- talking directly with government
- carrying the full cost, with no compensation.
How GIA protects growers
Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) is a signatory to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD). This national agreement outlines:
- how incursion responses are managed
- who makes decisions
- how eligible growers can be reimbursed for losses
Because we’re signed on, nursery producers may be able to access compensation when affected by certain pest or disease responses – including stop-movement orders, destruction of stock or other official actions.
In short: if your nursery is impacted by a nationally recognised pest incursion, you’re not on your own.
How pest decisions are made – and why it matters
When a new pest or disease is detected, it has to be categorised – that is, assessed for how serious the risk is and how the response will be handled.
This categorisation affects:
- whether a formal government response is triggered
- whether growers are eligible for cost-sharing or reimbursement
- how quickly you can resume trade.
GIA is part of that decision-making process. We represent your interests when categorisation discussions happen – ensuring production nurseries aren’t overlooked, misunderstood or treated unfairly.
What ‘sitting at the table’ actually means
When a pest incursion occurs, government activates a formal response process. That includes:
- briefings with biosecurity officials
- multi-agency response meetings (called consultative committees)
- real-time operational decisions.
GIA is the voice of the greenlife industry in these rooms. We advocate for your needs, help assess the impact on your business, and work to shape practical, proportionate responses.
We also support growers directly – helping them navigate reporting requirements, traceability, inspections and communications.
Biosecurity - with GIA vs without GIA
| With GIA | Without GIA | |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation | ✅ Potentially eligible for reimbursement if affected by a government-initiated response | ❌ No reimbursement - you wear the full cost |
| Pest categorisation | ✅ GIA advocates for fair and accurate categorisation | ❌ No nursery voice in national decision-making |
| Government response | ✅ Industry represented in response committees and strategy meetings | ❌ No seat at the table – decisions made without your input |
| Communication & support | ✅ Direct updates, templates and support via GIA and your Extension Officer | ❌ You're on your own – responsible for interpreting and managing all comms |
| Planning & protocols | ✅ Access to national best practice systems like BioSecure HACCP | ❌ No access to coordinated industry systems or support tools |
| Cost sharing | ✅ Governments and industry share response costs | ❌ You cover the full cost of response actions |
Building capability and confidence
Through the National Biosecurity and Sustainable Plant Production Program (NY20001), GIA equips growers to reduce risk, meet compliance obligations and build long-term business resilience. Programs like BioSecure HACCP, along with technical advice and on-the-ground support, make biosecurity practical and achievable.