Australia’s first national biosecurity plan to tackle the growing threat of exotic pests and diseases entering the country was unveiled yesterday by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt. He says the onset of climate change, the pandemic, and the rise of online shopping have created “new challenges”. The plan – which has been agreed on by the states and territories – will see authorities across governments cooperate more to prepare for pest and disease outbreaks. Watt says coordination has become increasingly important in the face of recent threats such as foot and mouth disease (FMD) and the bee-killing varroa mite. While the FMD risk to Oz appears to be simmering down, another $10 million is heading Indonesia’s way to strengthen its biosecurity measures. Imagine how many pairs of thongs that could buy…