Dr Beth Cookson has been appointed as Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer following the retirement of Dr Mark Schipp in December. Dr Cookson brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in various operational and policy roles in the department since 2006, most recently as Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer where she had a strategic focus on emergency animal disease preparedness in northern Australia and strengthening engagement within the Indo-Pacific region.
Dr Cookson is Australia’s Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Dr Cookson and her Office will continue to work strategically to ensure Australia’s animal health system supports our trade interests and global reputation, and is well placed to address current and emerging animal health threats. Key priorities including strengthening international networks and engagement, to influence international trade standards underpinning Australia’s animal health and welfare whilst supporting our market access interests.
Another key priority is working collaboratively to build regional partnerships with our near-neighbour partners and Pacific Island countries and territories, to strengthen animal health and production in the region, and in turn safeguarding Australia’s biosecurity. Dr Cookson will also continue her work on domestic policy matters, including maintaining a focus on biosecurity in northern Australia and championing the application of One Health approaches to protect human, animal and environmental health. Dr Cookson is a member of the Animal Health Committee (AHC), including being its Chair in 2024.
“My appointment comes amidst significant challenges in our regional and global environment. We have seen the global spread of animal diseases, such as lumpy skin disease, foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever, including in our region. Addressing these challenges and others like the global threat of antimicrobial resistance and veterinary workforce challenges in Australia and abroad, will take a collaborative effort across government and non-government sectors, which I’m excited to be part of,” said Dr Cookson.
During her career Dr Cookson has worked as a government field veterinarian and program manager delivering exotic animal disease surveillance across northern Australia. She has also previously worked in a senior executive position in Canberra focused on animal imports and biosecurity policy, and as Head of Engagement with the National Recovery and Resilience Agency (now the National Emergency Management Agency).
Dr Cookson was appointed Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer in March 2022 when she returned to northern Australia where she now lives with her family in Cairns. Dr Cookson is a member of the epidemiology chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and has been awarded an Executive Master of Public Administration through the Australian and New Zealand School of Government.
