2009 National Award Winner

Former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke presented the 2009 Australian Biosecurity Award to Melbourne-based Kubota Tractor Australia at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.

Accepting the award from the minister, Mr Greg Vincent from Kubota Tractor said the company values its cooperative relationship with AQIS.

'We view AQIS as a partner in working towards our common goal to keep Australia disease free,' said Mr Vincent.

Kubota won the 2009 national award from more than 45 nominations after blue stain fungi, which can kill trees, was found on wooden pallets carrying parts and machinery.

The company conducted a full inventory of its packaging material and helped trace other shipments that had gone directly to clients.

Since the fungi was found, Kubota Tractor has amended its international packaging and shipping procedures to minimise the risk of this and other pests entering Australia on pallets.