First Independent Biosecurity Commissioner Appointed

In an address to the NSW Farmers Association annual state conference on Wednesday, July 24, Premier Chris Minns announced the appointment of Dr Marion Healy PSM as the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.

The appointment came after Dr Healy’s successful tenure as the interim Commission, which commenced in June 2023.

Dr Healthy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over 20 years of experience in senior roles across government and industry.

For her outstanding public service to policy and regulatory practice, Dr Healy was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.

This appointment follows the NSW Government passing the Biosecurity Amendment (Independent Biosecurity Commission) Bill in November 2023.

According to the Premier, the appointment of an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will strengthen the impact and accountability of the $945.7 million biosecurity protection program announced in the recent budget.

Incoming Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Marion Healy said it was an honour to be appointed to the role and commended the NSW Government for its commitment to prioritising this growing issue.

“I have spent many years working to protect our industries and environment from pests and diseases and I very much look forward to working hand-in-hand with government, land holders and communities utilising the strong and valuable relationships I have built during my career,” Dr Healy said.

“Collaboration and coordination will be key to success as biosecurity is a shared responsibility.

“I know how hard farmers work to fight invasive pests and weeds on their land; I will work to ensure they are not doing this alone.

“It’s estimated that weeds and invasive species cost the State’s agriculture sector almost $62 billion a year, and as we all know too well, pests and weeds don’t stop at the fence, their impacts go well beyond the farm gate.

Dr Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the Parliament and Government on the program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.

The Biosecurity Commissioner’s work and the State Government’s commitment to regional NSW’s industries will be supported by further appointments.

Rachel Connell has been appointed as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Kate Lorimer-Ward has been appointed as the first-ever female CEO of Local Land Services.

Ms Lorimer will work closely alongside the new Local Land Services State Board Chair, Tess Herbert.

As Board Chair, Ms Herbert will be responsible for driving the strategic direction and general policies of Local Land Services, while collaborating with the chairs of the 11 local boards.

Ms Herbert is an agribusiness owner and manager, based in Eugowra.

She holds a Masters in Agribusiness and brings to the role more than 30 years combined experience in the red meat industry, agriculture policy research and development and marketing.

Biosecurity threats have an impact far beyond the farm gate - with invasive species costing the State approximately $2.4 billion annually, including the cost of lost production from pests and weeds.

These appointments lay an important foundation to boost the State’s response to and protection from biosecurity threats.

Premier Minns said he had visited country towns all across NSW to hear firsthand about the issues facing regional NSW.

“We know that we cannot address these issues without working directly with local communities, and these appointments will play a vital role in ensuring that voices on the ground are heard and reflected in our governments approach to biosecurity.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said the development of the Biosecurity Commissioner role and the appointment of Dr Healy was a milestone for the sector.

“Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across the industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure the Independent Biosecurity Commission is equipped and ready on day one to build and strengthen the resilience of our agriculture industry,” Ms Moriarty said.

“I congratulate Dr Marion Healy, Tess Herbert, Rachel Connell, and Kate Lorimer-Ward on their appointments and look forward to working alongside them as they focus on their important roles that support our farmers.

“This is a momentous time to see so many incredible professional women appointed to roles that support biosecurity and primary industries across the State."

• Topics:

• Agriculture & Farming