The National Diagnostic Protocols (NDPs) are a key part of Australia’s plant biosecurity system. The Subcommittee on Plant Health Diagnostics (SPHD) manages their development.
NDPs provide the minimum requirements for diagnostic procedures and methods to detect and identify plant pests. They include details on the pest, its host and taxonomic status and identification and detection methods, based on the best available information. NDPs may cover a species, an intra-specific taxon, several species within a genus, or multiple genera of related pests. NDPs also contain a section on diagnostics to support surveillance (Section 9). This provides information on the in-field and laboratory procedures utilised in the screening, detection or identification of plant pests in a surveillance situation. These procedures support surveillance activities and must not be used for definitive identification in an initial detection.
NDPs are developed by plant biosecurity diagnosticians or research scientists in accordance with SPHD Reference Standards, which detail the processes of peer review, verification, and endorsement by SPHD. Following endorsement, NDPs are reviewed every five years to ensure they allow taxonomically accurate identification, remain up to date and accurate, and include any necessary improvements.
The National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Professional Development and Protocol project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to enhance and strengthen Australia’s diagnostic capability and capacity to detect and identify plant pests that impact Australia’s plant industries, the environment and the community.
The current project
SPHD is currently seeking expressions of interest from plant biosecurity diagnosticians or research scientists to undertake the following projects:
Applicants should refer to the SPHD Reference Standard 4. The expert must prepare a brief written report on the review and verification process. The checklist, review or verification report and any associated paperwork should be submitted to the NDP Coordinator.
The final document must be approved by both the author and reviewer before submission for endorsement by SPHD.
Applicants should refer to the SPHD Reference Standard 2 for further information. The applicant will undertake revision (including taxonomic, if applicable), update and finalise the incomplete draft NDP.
The final document must be approved by the author, the reviewer and the laboratory undertaking the verification of the protocol.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must be employed in a plant health laboratory or similar organisation in Australia or New Zealand, and be a member of the National Plant Biosecurity Diagnostic Network (NPBDN).
Application process
To submit an expression of interest, download the application form (link to Application form – NDP review 2025 when uploaded) from the NPBDN website, complete the required fields, and submit to the NDPCoordinator@phau.com.au
Assessment of applications
All applications will be assessed by the Diagnostic Protocol Working Group, which oversees the progression of the NDPs, based on the following criteria:
Successful applicants will be contacted by the NDP Coordinator and provided instructions on how to progress.
Guide to budgets
Please contact the NDP Coordinator for a copy of the draft NDP before requesting a budget. This will assist you in estimating the work involved for verification or update of the draft NDP and determine the funding required accordingly.
Applicants interested in reviewing or verifying multiple NDPs are encouraged to apply. In the current funding round, some applications may not be progressed due to limited funding available.
The program encourages a collaborative approach between participating agencies if relevant. In kind support from participating organisations is expected and may include wages, bench fees, and other resources.
Timelines
Applications close on Thursday, 1 May 2025.
Key contact and further information
If you would like further information, please contact the NDPCoordinator@phau.com.au
Reference Standards outlining the instructions for authors and the review processes are available on the NPBDN website.