Our department
Planned outcomes
DAFF had two planned outcomes for 2010–11:
Outcome 1: More sustainable, productive, internationally competitive and profitable Australian agricultural, food and fibre industries through policies and initiatives that promote better resource management practices, innovation, self-reliance and improved access to international markets.
Outcome 2: Safeguard Australia’s animal and plant health status to maintain overseas markets and protect the economy and environment from the impact of exotic pests and diseases, through risk assessment, inspection and certification, and the implementation of emergency response arrangements for Australian agricultural, food and fibre industries.
Role and functions
To achieve our planned outcomes, DAFF works throughout the entire supply chain, from producer to consumer. We:
- work with the Australian Government to develop and deliver policies and programs that help our agriculture, food, fisheries and forestry industries
- protect Australia’s portfolio industries by providing biosecurity services and export certification that maintains our favourable international pest and disease status
- protect and develop the natural resource base on which portfolio industries rely
- negotiate access to international markets for our animals, plants and associated products
- provide independent and integrated economic and scientific research analysis and policy advice
- represent the Australian Government at international meetings relating to the portfolio.
We work in partnership with other Australian Government agencies, particularly the departments of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency; Defence; Foreign Affairs and Trade; Health and Ageing; Human Services; Resources, Energy and Tourism; and Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities; as well as the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and AusAID. We also collaborate with state and territory agencies in developing national approaches through the work of ministerial councils. We engage with other countries through our involvement in the work of many international and regional bodies.
During the year, a number of DAFF's functions were transferred to other agencies. The food industry policy function transferred to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on 8 November 2010. The administrative functions associated with the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority and the Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority transferred to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority on 25 October 2010.
Case study
DAFF strengthens its relationship with Defence
DAFF and the Department of Defence often work closely to ensure Defence personnel and equipment can re-enter Australia without posing threats to animal or plant health.
To ensure that they work together effectively, particularly in relation to quarantine procedures, the secretaries of the two departments signed a revised memorandum of understanding (MOU) in November 2010.
DAFF Secretary, Dr Conall O’Connell, and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Dr Ian Watt AO, signed the revised MOU, which updates an earlier agreement with AQIS dating back to 2005.
The high-level agreement provides a clear mutual understanding of the quarantine procedures and requirements for Defence property and personnel entering Australia from overseas operations.
The MOU also indicates the importance of the relationship between the two departments, their shared values and a commitment to work cooperatively.
‘The relationship between DAFF and Defence has flourished at a strategic level in Canberra,’ Dr O’Connell said at the signing.
‘It has also flourished at the operational level in the regions and theatres of operation where our inspectors deploy offshore.’
Dr Watt reinforced the message of collaboration and paid tribute to recent examples of excellent logistical cooperation.
Above (left to right): Dr Ian Watt AO, Secretary of the Department of Defence, and DAFF Secretary, Dr Conall O’Connell, at the MOU signing (Photo: DAFF)
Legislation and regulation
Legislation administered by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is listed in the Commonwealth’s Administrative Arrangements Order of 14 September 2010, available at the ComLaw website.
Portfolio legislative changes in 2010–11 included the introduction of several new acts, namely the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Amendment Act 2010, the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Amendment Act 2010, the Fisheries Legislation Amendment Act (No.2) 2010, and the Primary Industries (Excise) Levies Amendment Act 2010.
More than 80 legislative instruments were made, including several changes to the controls, fees and charges of Commonwealth fisheries, meat and livestock, export and other primary industries.
Organisational structure
DAFF has 14 divisions reporting to the secretary through three deputy secretaries. Our organisation chart at 30 June 2011 is shown in Figure 11.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the Bureau of Rural Sciences were brought together from 1 July 2010 as the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES).
During the year, the government decided that Australia’s biosecurity function would continue to be managed by DAFF.
We are reviewing our activities across the organisation to ensure resources are strategically directed to delivering policies, programs and priority reforms. Streamlining our structures will also support national consistency and free up resources to foster a more strategic and agile organisation.
Figure 11 Organisation chart at 30 June 2011
Our executive
Dr Conall O’Connell
Secretary
Dr Conall O’Connell has been secretary of DAFF since May 2007. He has a PhD and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons I) from Queen’s University, Belfast.
Three deputy secretaries assist the secretary across a broad range of issues and departmental functions, and oversee the work of particular divisions.
Mr Phillip Glyde
Deputy Secretary and Executive Director, ABARES
Mr Phillip Glyde joined DAFF in November 2006. He has an honours degree in natural resource management from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University.
Ms Rona Mellor
Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity
Ms Rona Mellor joined DAFF in February 2010. She has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland.
Mr James Flintoft
Deputy Secretary (A/g)
Mr James Flintoft joined DAFF in June 2011 as acting deputy secretary. He has a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Executive roles and responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the senior executive and executive are set out in Table 1.
Table 1 Executives of the department at 30 June 2011
Senior executives
Dr Conall O’Connell
Secretary
- Efficient and effective operation of the department
- Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine
- Chair of the Executive Management Team
- Chair of the Primary Industries Standing Committee
- Chair of the National Biosecurity Committee
- Chair of the National Management Group
- Co-chair of the Natural Resource Management Standing Committee
- Member of the Food Regulation Standing Committee
- Departmental Parents’ Network Champion
Mr Phillip Glyde
Deputy Secretary and Executive Director, ABARES
- Assistance to the secretary across a broad range of issues and functions
- Oversight responsibility for the work of the Trade and Market Access and Agricultural Productivity divisions
- Efficient and effective operation of ABARES
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Chair of the People Management Committee
- Chair of the Business Improvement Committee
- Chair of the Information and Communications Technology Committee
- Chair of the National Employees Consultative Committee
- Commissioner of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna
- Departmental Disability Champion
Ms Rona Mellor
Deputy Secretary, Biosecurity
- Assistance to the secretary across a broad range of issues and functions
- Oversight responsibility for the work of the biosecurity divisions, and leader
of biosecurity reform - Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Deputy Chair of the Audit Committee
- Chair of the Biosecurity Consultative Committee
- Chair of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
- Co-chair of the DAFF–Customs Strategic Working Group
- Deputy Chair of the National Biosecurity Committee
- Member of Strategic Border Management Group
- Departmental Attendance Champion
Mr James Flintoft
A/g Deputy Secretary
- Assistance to the secretary across a broad range of issues and functions
- Oversight responsibility for the work of the Climate Change, Sustainable Resource Management and corporate divisions
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Chair of the Investment Committee
- Chair of the Legislation and Deregulation Committee
- Chair of the Policy, Corporate and Bureau Consultative Committee
- Security Executive
- Departmental Indigenous Champion
Executives
Mr Paul Morris
Deputy Executive Director, ABARES
- Efficient and effective operation of ABARES
- Member of the People Management Committee
- Rotational member of the Executive Management Team
Dr Terry Sheales
Chief Economist, ABARES
- Leadership of economic advice at executive level
- Responsible for the quality of economic research and professional development of economists within ABARES
- Responsible for client relationships and partnerships with research providers
Peter Gooday was acting in this position at 30 June 2011
Dr Kim Ritman
Chief Scientist, ABARES
- Leadership of science-based research advice at executive level
- Responsible for the quality of science advice and professional development of scientists within ABARES
- Responsible for client relationships and partnerships with research providers
Mr Allen Grant
Executive Manager, Agricultural Productivity
- Efficient and effective operation of the Agricultural Productivity Division
- Development and implementation of policies and programs to enhance productivity in the food, horticulture, wine, livestock and cropping industries, in particular the use of agricultural innovation, research and training
- Australian Government representative on Primary Industries Standing Committee’s Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce and Research and Development Sub-Committee
- Rotational member of the Executive Management Team
Ms Jo Evans
Executive Manager, Trade and Market Access
- Efficient and effective operation of the Trade and Market Access Division
- Development and implementation of policies and programs to advance portfolio interests in multilateral and bilateral trade
- Member of the People Management Committee
Ms Karen Schneider
Executive Manager, Biosecurity Animal
- Efficient and effective operation of the Biosecurity Animal Division
- Member of the Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis (ACERA) Advisory Board
- Member of the Post-Entry Quarantine (PEQ) Steering Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
Dr Mike Nunn
Principal Scientist—Animal
- Provision of expert advice to the secretary on complex animal biosecurity matters
- National representative to Food and Agriculture Organization’s Animal Production and Health Commission for Asia and the Pacific
- Member of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory Security Assessment Group
Dr Mark Schipp*
Chief Veterinary Officer
- Adviser to the secretary on a range of animal health issues
- Chair of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases
- Chair of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Aquatic Animal Diseases
- Departmental representative on the Animal Health Quadrilateral Group and Animal Health Committee
- Member of the Australian Animal Health Laboratory Strategic Policy Group
- Member of the SAFEMEAT Partnership
- Australian Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
* Dr Mark Schipp was acting at 30 June 2011
Dr Colin Grant
Executive Manager, Biosecurity Plant Division
Chief Executive, Biosecurity Australia*
- Efficient and effective operation of the Biosecurity Plant Division
- Adviser to the secretary on a range of plant issues
- Chairman of the Australian Plague Locust Commission
- Member of the Advisory Board of ACERA
- Co-Chairman of the Standing Technical Working Group of the Australia – United States Free Trade Agreement
- Member of the PEQ Steering Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
- Member of the Quadrilateral Plant Protection Group
- Australian Delegate to the International Plant Protection Commission – Commission for Phytosanitary Measures
- Australian Delegate to the Asia and Pacific Plant Protection Commission
- Chairman of the Coordination Groups for Transition to Management of Asian Honey Bees and Myrtle Rust
* Dr Grant is Chief Executive of Biosecurity Australia for the purposes of Part 6A of the Quarantine Regulations–Import Risk Analysis
Vacant
Principal Scientist—Plant
- Provision of expert advice to the secretary and the biosecurity executive on complex plant biosecurity matters
Dr Lois Ransom
Chief Plant Protection Officer
- Provision of expert advice to the secretary on complex plant health and biosecurity issues
- Chair of the National Plant Health Committee
- Chair of the National Vine Health Steering Committee
- Chair of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests
- Chair of the National Consultative Committees for the Fire Ant, European House Borer, Electric Ant Eradication Program
- Chair of the Dimethoate and Fenthion Review Consultative Committee
- Chair of the Biosecurity Emergency Preparedness Working Group
- Australian Contact Point for the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)
- Southwest Pacific representative and Chair of the IPPC Subsidiary Body on Dispute Settlement
Dr Mikael Hirsch was acting in this position at 30 June 2011
Mr Greg Read
Executive Manager, Biosecurity Food
- Efficient and effective operation of the Biosecurity Food Division
- Delivery of Export Certification Reform Package
- Chair of the Export Meat Industry Advisory Committee
- Chair of the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems
- Chair of the Food Export Regulators Steering Committee
- Chair of the Dairy Industry Export Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
Narelle Clegg was acting in this position at 30 June 2011
Mr Tim Chapman
Executive Manager, Biosecurity Quarantine Operations
- Efficient and effective delivery of all quarantine activities relating to the arrival in Australia of people and goods, including air and sea cargo, mail, ships and aircraft and their passengers
- Efficient and effective management of co-regulatory arrangements with industry and the Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy
- Member of the Audit Committee
- Member of the PEQ Steering Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
Ms Lynne O’Brien
Executive Manager, Biosecurity Regional and Business Services
- Efficient and effective delivery of support services for biosecurity regional and business operations
- Effective management of the Biosecurity Program Office and the biosecurity reform program
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Information Communication and Technology Committee
- Member of the Business Improvement Committee
- Member of the Investment Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
Mr Russell Phillips
A/g Executive Manager, Biosecurity Strategic Projects
- Efficient and effective operation of the Biosecurity Strategic Projects Division
- Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs
- Member of the Legislation and Deregulation Committee
- Member of the Biosecurity Reform Design Board
Mr Ian Thompson
Executive Manager, Sustainable Resources Management
- Efficient and effective operation of the Sustainable Resource Management Division
- Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs for Landcare, sustainable production, Caring for our Country, fisheries and aquaculture
Mr Tom Aldred
Executive Manager, Climate Change
- Efficient and effective operation of the Climate Change Division
- Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and programs for drought, climate change, farm adjustment and forestry
- Australian Government representative on the National Rural Advisory Council
Ms Fran Freeman
Executive Manager, Corporate Policy
- Efficient and effective operation of the Corporate Policy Division
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Legislation and Deregulation Committee
- Member of the Business Improvement Committee
Mr Darren Schaeffer
Chief Finance Officer
- Assistance to the secretary and the executive across a broad range of finance issues and functions
- Efficient and effective operation of the Corporate Finance Division
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Business Improvement Committee
- Member of the Financial Statements Subcommittee
- Member of the Information and Communication Technology Committee
- Observer at the Audit Committee
Ms Anne Hazell
Chief Operating Officer
- Assistance to the secretary and the executive across a broad range of corporate issues and functions
- Efficient and effective operation of the Corporate Services Division
- Member of the Executive Management Team
- Member of the Business Improvement Committee
- Member of the People Management Committee
- Member of the Information and Communication Technology Committee
- Observer at the Audit Committee
- Departmental Flexible Employees Network Champion
- Departmental Senior Women’s Network Champion
Bill Withers was acting in this position at 30 June 2011