The NSW Government has appointed an Interim Biosecurity Commissioner who will guide the formation of an independent biosecurity commission and begin work to map out the pest and weed threats impacting the state.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said interim Commissioner Dr Marion Healy has more than 20 years of high-level expertise and experience related to identifying and managing the biosecurity risks related to the movement of plant products and their impact on the Australian environment.
“Last month I announced plans to establish an independent biosecurity commission and today I am pleased to welcome Dr Healy as interim commissioner,” Ms Moriarty said.
“I know biosecurity risks present the most significant threat to the primary industries sector, the economy, the environment and our communities, and today’s appointment demonstrates that we are delivering on our election commitments.
“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 Dr Healy, working with the Department of Primary Industries, will during the next 3 months;
- develop a discussion paper on the role and powers of the NSW Biosecurity Commissioner for targeted consultation across Government and stakeholders
- engage the Natural Resources Commission to develop a baseline report on the extent of pests and weeds on public lands
- commence scoping guidelines and focus of the $10 million Good Neighbour Program.
“It’s really important that we tackle the biosecurity challenges that come from pests and weeds and that government are good neighbours,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Farmers and landowners do their very best to keep weeds and other pests out, and we need to make sure all other landowners are doing the same – including the government.”
The statutory position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will be created and appointed by the end of 2023.