Backing safe travel and strong biosecurity at Western Sydney International Airport
As part of the Albanese Labor Government’s record investment to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system, state-of-the-art equipment has been delivered to Western Sydney International Airport to keep Australia safe from biosecurity risks. A strong biosecurity system is essential to enabling the safe movement of travellers and goods, while protecting Australia's more than $100 billion agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.
From the first international arrival on 26 October 2026, highly skilled biosecurity officers, scientific diagnostic capability, detector dog teams and advanced screening technology will protect Australia’s border. The installation of two state-of-the-art 3D X-ray units will put Western Sydney International Airport at the forefront of next-generation biosecurity screening.
Combined with highly trained biosecurity officers, the technology will support more targeted screening, stronger risk detection and efficient passenger processing. Australia’s biosecurity detector dogs provide another critical layer of Australia's biosecurity system, using their extraordinary detection abilities to identify biosecurity risk material before it can enter Australia.
Detector dogs are trained to identify more than 200 biosecurity risk commodities, including meat, fruit, seeds and other items that could threaten Australia's agriculture, environment and economy. In 2025, biosecurity detector dogs intercepted over 45,500 biosecurity risk items arriving at international airports and mail gateway facilities. The Albanese Labor Government will never compromise on biosecurity, and has invested more than $2 billion in additional biosecurity resourcing since 2022.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP: “As part of Western Sydney International Airport preparing to welcome international travellers, we’re ensuring Australia’s biosecurity is front and centre of operations. “Our biosecurity officers, detector dogs and advanced screening technology at Western Sydney International Airport will help keep Australia safe from biosecurity threats.
“Our Government has delivered over $2 billion in additional funding to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system, and to ensure it remains world-leading. “This new gateway will create opportunities for travel, trade and tourism, and our investment means those opportunities will be backed by strong biosecurity from day one.” Quotes attributable to Member for Werriwa, Ms Anne Stanley MP: “The Albanese Government has invested in contemporary biosecurity infrastructure to ensure Western Sydney International Airport is equipped to manage any biosecurity risks from the commencement of international operations.
“This will ensure Australia’s $100 billion agricultural sector is protected.” We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.