Queensland enjoys a status relatively free from many pests and diseases that pose significant threats to our economy, environment, and well-being. This position is due to the collective efforts of dedicated biosecurity professionals, industry, and community, and guidance from state and national policies and the Plant Health Committee. However, our biosecurity system now faces increasing risks that challenge its organisation and efficacy. The imperative of shared responsibility is key in addressing these growing threats. Despite frequent discussions, the complexities and nuances of shared responsibility often go overlooked, risking diluted accountability and giving an impression of collective action where actual commitment may be lacking.

Engaging with numerous internal and external stakeholders presents complexities due to differences in scientific expertise, practical experience, and socio-political views. These differences can lead to disagreements about roles and responsibilities, the importance of political and social contexts, information and power sharing, and cost allocation, which can erode trust among biosecurity stakeholders and ultimately hamper our collective ability to respond to biosecurity issues and crises. However, the diversity and complexity of stakeholders can also be a source of new ideas, creativity, and innovation, fostering a broad, inclusive, and sustained commitment to shared responsibility.

Drawing from three prominent, emergent, and ongoing examples in Queensland—the Panama TR4, Varroa mite, and Northern Australia Fruit Fly Program—we provide brief insights into stakeholder engagement in a complex biosecurity environment, inviting further reflection from symposium attendees.