We work across industry and government to prevent, detect and control marine pest threats.
Committee
The Marine Pest Sectoral Committee (MPSC) coordinates a national approach to marine pest biosecurity, Australia’s marine environment and associated industry. It provides a vital conduit for industries to communicate with governments to ensure their interests are represented.
Members of the committee:
- Australian Government (1 member)
- state and territory governments (1 from each state and the Northern Territory)
- New Zealand Government (standing observer)
- technical or scientific experts (observers as requested).
MPSC Partners are key industry stakeholders in marine pest surveillance and management. They are included in most committee communications and offered the chance to comment on policy documents in development. MPSC Partners are from sectors such as environmental consultants, boating industries, port authorities, environmental non-governmental agencies and researchers.
Chairperson is selected by the members. They are appointed for a 2-year term.
Purpose
Coordinate efforts across government. Develop a shared approach to stop to spread of marine pests.
Key activities to achieve this goal:
- advocate to government on the impact of marine pests on our oceans and marine industries
- develop, coordinate and monitor national activities to address marine pest risks
- provide scientific and policy advice on marine pests to the National Biosecurity Committee
- support and enhance national capacity to respond to marine pest outbreaks
- engage with stakeholders to support these objectives.
Read more about our work in our communiqués.
Governance
Committee meetings are held twice a year, face-to-face if possible. Extra teleconference sessions are held as required.
Member jurisdictions host the meetings. Secretariat support is provided by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Read the committee terms of reference.
Shared responsibilities
We share responsibility for managing marine pests with national and local agencies.
Industry groups also take an active role. Stopping the spread of marine pests is good business for marine industries.
National
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Department of Infrastructure Transport, Regional Development and Communications
- Department of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Group
- CSIRO
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority
- NOPSEMA
- Australian Fisheries Management Authority
State and Territory
- New South Wales: Department of Primary Industries
- Northern Territory: Department of Industry Tourism and Trade
- Queensland: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
- South Australia: Department of Primary Industries and Regions
- Tasmania: Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
- Victoria: Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions
- Western Australia: Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development