Emergency Preparedness

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) leads the Australian Government in minimising the impact of pests, diseases and contaminants on Australian agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the environment.  These outcomes are achieved by working with stakeholders in peace time to develop and test emergency response plans.  In actual, real-life pest and disease outbreaks (such as equine influenza), DAFF takes a lead role in the response by coordinating resources, operational and technical support as well as communications.

Coordinating National Responses and Activities

DAFF coordinates national activities to ensure a comprehensive, consistent and informed approach to preparedness and response activities for agricultural critical incidents and participates in a number of high-level committees and taskforces.

Emergency Response Plans

DAFF assists in the development of sector specific response plans such as:

• AUSVETPLAN
• AQUAVETPLAN
• Australian Emergency Marine Pest Plan  PDF [2mb]
• PLANTPLAN

BioSIRT

BioSIRT (Biosecurity Surveillance Incident Response and Tracing) is a spatial and textual, web based software application that has been developed to enable better management of information and resources in emergency responses across animal or plant diseases, pests and incursions.

Conducting Training and Exercises

DAFF also conducts and participates in training activities and simulation exercises which have included:

• Exercise Hippolytus
• Exercise Cowcatcher
• Exercise Eleusis
• Exercise Tethys
• Exercise Minotaur

Also see the information on the Rapid Response Team (RRT).

Crisis Communications

An effective and tested National Communications Network is in place to respond to agricultural emergencies. Read more.

Collaborative Partnerships

DAFF works closely with many government agencies and industry groups to ensure a unified approach to animal, plant or food safety emergencies.

Some of our partners include:

• Australian Government agencies
• State and Territory agricultural departments
• Animal Health Australia
• Plant Health Australia
• SAFEMEAT
• Meat & Livestock Australia
• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
• Fisheries Research & Development Corporation

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about DAFF's role or our approach to pest and disease emergencies, email the Biosecurity Emergency Management Unit in DAFF.