The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to safeguard the future of regional communities and the agriculture sector with the fullfillment of a key election commitment to appoint an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner.
Premier Chris Minns, first announced this commitment in an address to the NSW Farmers Association annual state conference in 2022.
Today, in an address at the same event the Premier has announced the fulfillment of this commitment.
Dr. Marion Healy PSM has been appointed as the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, following her successful tenure as the interim Commissioner, which commenced in June 2023.
Dr. Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over twenty 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 Commissioner) Bill in November 2023.
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.
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 Minns Labor Government’s commitment to regional New South Wales’s industries will be supported by further appointments announced today.
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 Mrs 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.
Mrs 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 farm beyond the farm-gate – with invasive species costing New South Wales approximately $2.4 billion annually, including the cost of lost production from pests and weeds.
The Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities and knows that for many regional communities biosecurity incursions have significant impacts on local agriculture and in turn the local economy.
These appointments lay an important foundation to boost the state’s response to and protection from biosecurity threats.
Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:
“I’ve visited country towns all across the state to hear firsthand about the issues facing regional New South Wales – whether it’s Red Fire Ants in the north, or feral pigs in the Riverina, my government is determined to take meaningful action.
“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.
“Prior to the election I heard from many advocates about the importance of appointing a Biosecurity Commissioner who was independent of government, and I am proud that today we can announce we have delivered on that commitment.
“Congratulations to Dr. Healy, I look forward to working with her on the big task ahead of ensuring our states farmers and regional communities can continue to thrive, with confidence that the NSW Government is taking biosecurity seriously.”
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
“The Minns Government is committed to protecting our primary industries and investing in strengthening our biosecurity defences, management and performance. The development of the Biosecurity Commissioner role and the appointment of Dr Healy is 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.
“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.”
Incoming Biosecurity Commissioner Dr Marion Healy said:
“It is an honour to be appointed to this role and I commend 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.
“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 $2 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.”
Incoming Local Land Services Board Chair Tess Herbert said:
“As a former member of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services Board, it’s exciting to be appointed the state Board Chair because I recognise the importance of the organisation, and how the Board supports the success of Local Land Services.
“I look forward to leading the strategic direction and supporting the governance of the organisation so it can continue to make valuable, on-the-ground connections with landholders, especially as we move towards a greater focus on how we manage land.
“Local Land Services plays an important role in regional and rural NSW, and through my position in governance, I want to highlight the real value we can offer to rate payers and land managers right across the state.”
