An all-hazards approach to national security: Preparing for and responding to threats to Australian agriculture

The federal government is adopting an all-hazards approach to national security—acknowledging that the response to both natural and man-made disasters is often similar and that improving community resilience is an important aspect of preparedness for disasters, whatever form they take. The forthcoming national security statement is expected to incorporate a more holistic assessment of national security by placing a growing list of transnational risks and pressures including terrorism, organised crime and pandemic disease alongside the more traditional state-based threats.

This policy analysis examines current threats to the Australian agricultural sector from either a deliberate or accidental disease outbreak.