A new dedicated Biosecurity Compliance and Investigation Unit has been set up by the NSW government to strengthen biosecurity, tackle high-risk threats, and safeguard market access and trade.
The new unit, in the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Compliance Branch, will employ six full-time staff to focus on biosecurity issues threatening the State’s $25 billion primary industries sector.
With more than 340 weed species and 40 pest animal species costing NSW at least $1.9 billion annually, the specialised unit will support and strengthen the work of all agencies responsible for biosecurity compliance and enforcement across the state.
Invasive species management
The creation of the unit was a key recommendation of the Natural Resources Commission Invasive Species Management review and supports recommendations by the former Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.
The unit will:
- Respond to biosecurity risks and support on-ground surveillance activities across the state and at state borders for threats such as red imported fire ant and cattle tick.
- Work with other agencies including Local Land Services and Local Control Authorities to expand compliance and enforcement capabilities for pest and weed management, including feral pigs and deer.
- Undertake compliance operations to support the National eID program critical to maintaining access to the state’s domestic and international livestock markets.
The dedicated Biosecurity Compliance and Investigation Unit follows the government’s release of the NSW Biosecurity Action Plan 2025-2026, which outlined six focus areas to improve the biosecurity framework in NSW.
This new unit will help deliver key commitments in the action plan, including the delivery of a new regulatory policy for biosecurity compliance in NSW, and regulatory guidance to ensure landholders, industry and community understand their biosecurity responsibilities.
Strengthening biosecurity
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said ‘This is about strengthening our biosecurity response and protecting our multi-billion-dollar primary industries export and international markets.
‘This sends a clear message, if you breach biosecurity protocols and laws then there will be a price to pay. With this new specialised team, the NSW government is taking strong action to protect our state from invasive species and other major biosecurity threats,’ she said.
‘We are strengthening our compliance and enforcement providing the resources needed to keep NSW safe and secure. Biosecurity is critical, and this team will ensure we stay ahead of the risks facing our communities, industries and environment.’
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