The training of Biosecurity Tasmania’s newest recruits is in full-swing and will ensure three new detector dog teams are patrolling our borders this summer season.
The detector puppies are currently undergoing a rigorous training program to identify the right dogs for the job.
Recruitment of each dog’s new handler is also being finalised before they begin their specialist training course to prepare them for the responsibility of protecting our island state.
The trainers and dogs are on schedule to graduate with the first new pairing anticipated to be on the beat by Christmas with the others progressively starting over the busy summer period.
Our $2 million investment in the addition of three new detector dog-teams increases our capability by 50 per cent, from six teams to nine. This is the first recruitment of handlers in almost a decade, since 2006.
This gives us the capacity to target 100 per cent of flights at major airports with detector dog teams, and increase our presence at our regional airports, ports and mail distribution centres.
This will ensure our world-class agriculture and seafood sectors are better protected, and support jobs across the state.
We take very seriously our responsibility to protect Tasmania’s relative disease free status, our safe and premium produce, and we are committed to keeping it that way.
Our dedicated and hardworking biosecurity staff do a great job, and the addition of the three new detector dog teams will boost and support their capabilities.
Never before has our biosecurity been so important, with more visitors travelling to Tasmania as well as increasing trade, particularly with our largest trading partner China.
That’s why we have invested an additional $5 million in biosecurity, strengthening the frontline.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water