A $13.86 million Australian Government investment in new 3D x-ray technology will create enormous benefits for Australian biosecurity.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the partnership with Rapiscan Systems ensures we have access to the latest in biosecurity risk detecting technology.
"These 3D x-ray units are 2-to-3 times more effective at detecting biosecurity risks than traditional screening methods, while giving fewer false positives," Minister Littleproud said.
"Since we first partnered with Rapiscan in 2018, we have two 3D x-ray units in operation in our international mail gateway facilities at Sydney and Melbourne and a research and development unit in Melbourne.
"We are continuing to grow our 3D x-ray capability across Australia with another unit being installed at Sydney Gateway Facility and expected to be operational in April 2022.
"Working with Rapiscan, we have developed an algorithm for the detection of fruit, which has since been expanded to meat, vegetables, seafood and wildlife.
"Two further units will be installed at Australian airports for a trial later this year, which will see incoming passenger baggage screened before collection. This will improve passenger experience and provide a faster and more streamlined baggage clearance process.
"Our $50.7 million investment through the 2021-22 Budget is yielding excellent results by detecting biosecurity risks more effectively and at lower costs.
"It is innovations like this that will protect our agricultural sector and help it grow to a $100 billion industry by 2030."
