17 Oct 2025
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), in partnership with Biosecurity Queensland, has launched a new initiative, Biosecurity in the Boardroom, to highlight the growing risks biosecurity incursions pose to businesses across all sectors of the Queensland economy, not just agriculture.
Biosecurity risks are forecast to grow fourfold in the coming decade, underscoring the need for proactive management across every sector. The initiative recognises these are whole-of-economy and community risks, which can disrupt supply chains, damage reputations, inflate costs, and cause business closures if left unmanaged.
QFF CEO Jo Sheppard said biosecurity has traditionally been viewed as an agricultural issue, but it is increasingly a critical risk for businesses across all sectors.
“Biosecurity impacts Queensland’s cultural, environmental, social and economic values. It is vital that business leaders in every sector recognise biosecurity as a core business risk and take steps to manage it just as they would other critical risks such as workplace health and safety,” Ms Sheppard said.
“By embedding biosecurity in corporate strategy and day-to-day operations, businesses can safeguard their continuity and avoid considerable reputational and potential financial damage.”
Biosecurity in the Boardroom provides resources and conversation starters tailored for senior executives, leaders, decision makers, and company boards. These materials prompt businesses to consider how biosecurity fits into their risk registers, corporate culture, investment decisions, compliance frameworks, and reputation management.
The initiative also emphasises that every business has a role to play in Queensland’s broader biosecurity system – from freight and logistics to retail, tourism, health, resources, education and beyond. Proactive measures such as employee training, supplier standards, and facility hygiene can all reduce risks and strengthen resilience.
To officially launch the initiative, QFF hosted a breakfast event today at Customs House in Brisbane, opened by Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon MP. The event was attended by leaders from across various commercial sectors including tourism, transport, infrastructure and logistics, energy and insurance.
Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development, Water and Western Queensland Sean Dillon MP said the Queensland Government welcomed the cross-sector collaboration.
“The government is committed to working alongside industry to ensure Queensland remains at the forefront of biosecurity management. Partnerships like Biosecurity in the Boardroom help bring together the expertise we need across business, industry and government to strengthen Queensland’s biosecurity system,” Mr Dillon said.
Keynote speaker Dr Rachel Chay, Department of Primary Industries Deputy Director-General Biosecurity and Queensland’s Chief Biosecurity Officer, said the state’s biosecurity landscape was becoming increasingly complex.
“Biosecurity risks are not confined to farms or regional areas – they impact every sector of our economy,” Dr Chay said.
“Addressing these risks requires a united effort. We need an integrated biosecurity system where everyone – from boardrooms to paddocks – understands their role and works together.”
Colin Fruk, CEO of Greenlife Industry Queensland, said the initiative reinforces that biosecurity preparedness must start with leadership.
“Good biosecurity is good business. Whether you’re growing plants, processing food, or managing a national supply chain, it’s about protecting productivity, reputation, and long-term sustainability,” Mr Fruk said.
Melanie Anderson, General Manager Strategy and Advocacy of Queensland Tourism Industry Council said awareness was key for industries that might not traditionally think of themselves as part of the biosecurity system.
“Tourism connects people, places and products – and with that comes risk. The more our industry understands biosecurity, the better we can protect Queensland’s natural assets and visitor economy,” Ms Anderson said.
Ms Sheppard said the strong attendance from diverse industries demonstrated that biosecurity is no longer an issue confined to farming.
“Whether you are moving goods, hosting international visitors, managing a supply chain, or protecting your brand, biosecurity matters. Every sector is vulnerable – and every sector has a role to play in Queensland’s biosecurity system,” she said.
QFF will continue to collaborate with Biosecurity Queensland and industry stakeholders to expand awareness and ensure leaders across all sectors are supported to embed biosecurity into their strategic priorities.
For more information about Biosecurity in the Boardroom, including resources for businesses and boards, visit https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/risk/biosecurity.
-ENDS-
Media contact:
Jak Kirwin
Acting Corporate Partnerships and Communications Manager, QFF
E: comms@qff.org.au
M: 0488 305 106