The National Biosecurity Communication and Engagement Network (NBCEN) leads and coordinates strategic communication and engagement for the biosecurity sector, with a focus on prevention and preparedness. In a response to a biosecurity incident, NBCEN coordinates the nationally consistent approach, and delivers timely and accurate information to our stakeholders and the public.

NBCEN is a sectoral committee supporting the National Biosecurity Committee (NBC).

NBCEN members

NBCEN comprises communication professionals from the Commonwealth, state and territory government agencies responsible for biosecurity, and relevant animal and plant health organisations, including:

  • Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
  • State and territory department of primary industries/biosecurity agencies
  • Animal Health Australia
  • Plant Health Australia
  • CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness 
  • Wildlife Heath Australia

NBCEN routinely engages with other agencies, partners and stakeholders as needed. 

NBCEN meetings 

NBCEN meetings are held each month online. Face-to-face meetings are held twice yearly. 

NBCEN also meets promptly as required in response to emergency pest or disease incidents.

Resources

Biosecurity incident public information manual

NBCEN members developed the Biosecurity Incident Public Information Manual (BIPIM) to guide people performing communication and stakeholder engagement roles in a state or territory agency, or the Australian Government, in response to a pest or disease incident.

The BIPIM covers how governments and industry work together to deliver accurate and targeted information in a response. It includes job cards for the 8 Public Information roles, and a comprehensive toolkit containing templates, forms, and checklists.

BIPIM Part 1 Public Information Policy (PDF 7.5 MB)

BIPIM Part 1 Public Information Policy (Word 1.3 MB)

NBCEN is responsible for the review and publication of BIPIM, and for granting permission for its use in public information training modules. If you require a copy of BIPIM Parts 2, 3 and 4, contact the NBCEN Secretariat.

Training video 

Learn more about the role of the public information function in an Incident Management Team during an outbreak.

Further information

More on how we respond to outbreaks.

Contact

For enquiries about NBCEN, contact the NBCEN Secretariat at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry nbcen@aff.gov.au.