Share your thoughts on the National Policy on Pest Freedom Programs and Pest Absence.

We are developing the National Policy on Pest Freedom Programs and Pest Absence to strengthen Australia’s plant biosecurity and support safe trade.

The policy establishes a national framework for implementing:

  • a pest free area (PFA)

  • a pest free place of production (PFPP)

  • a pest free production site (PFPS)

  • an area of pest absence (APA) for trade.

Establishing a policy framework will help to:

  • align Australia’s approach with the International Standards on Phytosanitary measures (ISPMs)

  • clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Australian Government, state and territory governments and industry stakeholders in implementing pest freedom programs and areas of pest absence.

We invite stakeholders from Australia’s horticulture and grains industries to share feedback on the policy. Your insights on industry needs and challenges will help keep the policy relevant, effective and practical.

Information Session

We will be holding a webinar on 12 August 2025, 1-2 pm AEST to discuss the National Policies on Pest Freedom Programs, Pest Absence and Regulated Non-Quarantine Pests.

We invite you to register for this event.

Key documents

National Policy on Pest Freedom Programs and Pest Absence [Word 876 KB]

Frequently Asked Questions [Word 248 KB]

Timeline

  • Policy released for feedback
    current

    4 August 2025

  • Webinar session
    pending

    12 August 2025

  • Survey on policy closes
    pending

    1 September 2025

  • Summary of feedback released
    pending

    October 2025

  • Final policy released
    pending

    Early 2026

Contact
National Policy and Implementation