Phase II of the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) focused on supporting cross-sectoral co­ investment in plant biosecurity Research, Development and Extension (RD&E), facilitated through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The delivery of PBRI Phase II was enabled by financial contributions from its members, comprising the seven plant Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), Plant Health Australia (PHA) and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The PBRI Collaborative Agreement for Phase II commenced in July 2020, and was extended for further five years (Phase Ill) in June 2023.

In addition to the co-investment, PBRI Phase II also established several partnerships with key domestic and international stakeholders, formalised through Memorandum's of Understanding (MOUs). These partnerships have served as the foundation for enabling PBRl's membership to connect and engage with a wider pool of knowledge and capability for supporting plant biosecurity RD&E initiatives.

A comprehensive independent review of PBRI Phase II was conducted by Ag Econ. This review found that the PBRI delivered its strategic goals of prioritising and coordinating collaborative plant biosecurity RD&E.

The review found that PBRl's success was underpinned by the lean and agile membership base combined with the coordination efforts of the Program Director, which supported a culture of collaborative intent.

At the end of Phase 11, the PBRI was recognised as a:

• cost-efficient and sustainable model for co-investment in biosecurity innovation across plant industries
• focal point of plant biosecurity RD&E expertise relevant to plant industries
• facilitator of biosecurity collaboration and networks, linking researchers, industry, and government

Monitoring and evaluation and an enhanced communication of the PBRl's impact were identified as areas for improved delivery of the PBRI program. These areas will be included in a new work program for the Phase Ill as part of the PBRl's commitment to continuous improvement.

The new five-year agreement signifies the ongoing support by members for the PBRI collaboration model and its role in the Australian Biosecurity landscape. It is also an acknowledgement of the benefits and efficiencies delivered through the coordination of biosecurity RD&E priorities and investment across Australian plant industries.

This report describes how the PBRI continues to deliver a collaboration model aimed at minimising duplication in plant biosecurity RD&E investment.