National Bee Biosecurity Program

The National Bee Biosecurity Program (NBBP) is a biosecurity partnership between the Australian honey bee industry (represented by the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council), Plant Health Australia (PHA), and state governments around Australia.

The program promotes best practice biosecurity for beekeepers in Australia through the establishment, and regular updating, of a Biosecurity Code of Practice (the Code). This Code provides a clear framework for Australian beekeepers to engage in best-practice biosecurity methods. The Code, nationally endorsed by industry, was first released in July 2016 and most recently updated as part of the National Varroa Mite Management Program.

Tasmanian beekeepers must comply with the Code as part of their compulsory beekeeper registration, however, the Code does not replace state legislation and is complementary to it. Where the Code contradicts local state legislation, the state legislation takes precedence.