Awarded to Dr Wendy Craik AM (chair), David Palmer and Dr Richard Sheldrake AM, the independent panel reviewing the national biosecurity system, for their deep analysis, forward thinking and identification of the structural changes needed to better protect the environment from new invasive species.

Their landmark report, Priorities for Australia’s Biosecurity System – the most important biosecurity review of the past decade – made 42 recommendations to strengthen and future-proof Australia’s biosecurity system.

The review found that with growing trade and travel leading to biosecurity risks, the system protecting Australia, particularly the natural environment, from new invasive species needs strengthening.

Key recommendations include: equalising the priority given to the environment, creating a national priority list of pests and diseases, appointing a Chief Community and Environmental Biosecurity Officer, establishing a Community and Environmental Biosecurity Committee, increasing and better coordinating research effort, sourcing new funding from risk creators, improving transparency and community involvement, and increasing the involvement of environment departments in biosecurity processes.

This award also acknowledges the role played by the review secretariat, headed by Barbara Jones.

The review, completed in July 2017, is being considered by national, state and territory agricultural ministers.