Plant Health Australia (PHA) offers a comprehensive and free Industry Liaison Officers (ILO) training program to ensure your industry is well-prepared for plant pest responses, with workshop dates now set for 2025.

ILOs are essential during emergency plant pest responses, serving as the link between the Incident Management Team and the affected industry party.

By attending the training, ILOs will:

• learn about the incident management structure and the critical function of an ILO during a response
• learn practical skills and knowledge on how an ILO can contribute to biosecurity response
• connect with government stakeholders and plant industries.

Participants gain more than just skills. They become response-ready, boosting their industry’s overall preparedness.

Who should participate

ILO training is available to all growers and industry representatives within peak industry bodies that are signatories to the Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed (EPPRD).

It is particularly relevant for those who may be called upon to liaise between the industry and government in the event of a biosecurity emergency.

Training structure

The training consists of two components: an e-learning course which covers the theory of the industry liaison function, and a face-to-face workshop to develop practical knowledge. The Industry Liaison Officer e-learning course is available on PHA’s Biosecurity Online Training Platform (BOLT).

Before attending the workshop, it is recommended participants complete the online training as the e-learning course provides foundational knowledge.

Upcoming training

You can register your interest for the following upcoming ILO workshops:

• South Australia: 29 April, Adelaide
• Tasmania: 8 May, location to be confirmed
• Western Australia: 28 August, Perth
• New South Wales: 16 October, Orange

To learn more or register for an upcoming workshop, contact training@phau.com.au or visit PHA’s training webpage.