7 May 2010
DAFF10/432B

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has appointed Professor Daniela Stehlik as the Chair of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).

Professor Stehlik is one of Australia’s leading social scientists in the areas of sustainability, human service practice and social cohesion with a focus on families and communities in regional/rural Australia. She has also recently been appointed as inaugural Director of the new Northern Institute at Charles Darwin University.

In 2008, Professor Stehlik was a member of the Expert Social Panel that formed part of the National Drought Review Taskforce. This appointment built on her experience as Chief Investigator in the first sociological study of impact of drought on Australian farm families and rural communities – a project funded by RIRDC between 1997 and1999.

“RIRDC plays a vital role in industry development for new and established rural industries," Mr Burke said. 

“As chairperson, Professor Stehlik will be integral to its research and development program which boosts the competitiveness and sustainability of Australian rural industries and helps smaller industries to increase their resilience and financial capacity. 

“RIRDC is also responsible for key issues confronting the rural sector such as managing climate change, capacity building and innovation along the value chain.”

Mr Burke also thanked the retiring chairperson Mary Boydell for her leadership of the corporation since January 2004.

Professor Stehlik has been appointed for a three year term.