Joel Willis

Joel leads the Detection Capability and Emerging Technology Section, Biosecurity Operations Division, within the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE). Joel and his team are responsible for delivery of the DAWE Detector Dog Program and a range of detection technologies deployed at the border. This includes a particular focus on the department’s 3D x-rays and world leading auto-detection algorithms for biosecurity risk.

In previous roles, Joel led several teams within the Office of Health Protection at the Commonwealth Department of Health including border health, emergency response, pandemic planning and immunisation.  Building on this experience, in late 2020, he joined DAWE to help establish an enhanced human health policy capability within the Biosecurity Operations Division.

Joel is an experienced leader of people, with a passion for making a difference at Australia’s frontline.