X-rays to detect biosecurity risks

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Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud VDLG D \HDU ORQJ WULDO RI D 5DSLVFDQ 577 ; 5D\ unit at Melbourne International Airport that started last week was a huge step forward for Australian biosecurity.

“Our clean green reputation makes Australian produce valued overseas and we have to protect that,” he said.

“We’re seeing more people, mail and cargo come through our borders. That means more risk to Aussie farmers and we’ve got to stay on top of it.

“We need to make sure they’re not bringing in pests or items carrying pests, which could destroy our farm sector.”

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“Australia is a world leader in biosecurity and we always strive to be better,” he said.

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; UD\ LPDJHV IURP 0HOERXUQH DQG $XFNODQG airports will be combined into an image library then used to create an algorithm that can instantly identify high-risk items.

The algorithm will be trialled with fruit for six months, then on vegetables, seeds and meat.

Mr Littleproud said biosecurity screening provided critical protection for Australia’s $60-billion agricultural industries and the health of the country’s communities, environment and national economy.