Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
The Albanese Labor Government has taken the next important step in the development of the National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia, with the appointment of the National Food Council.
The establishment of the Council progresses a key Albanese Labor Government commitment to deliver Feeding Australia, with the membership reflecting the diversity and complexity of Australia's food system.
This appointment follows an expression of interest process, with strong interest from across our food supply chain resulting in a high calibre of applicants.
The members of the National Food Council are:
| Andrew Henderson | Principal, Agsecure; Senior Fellow - Australian Strategic Policy Institute |
| Barry Irvin AM | Executive Chairman, Bega Group |
| Dr Christopher Downs | Director, Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) University of Queensland |
| Claire McClelland | CEO, Australian Fresh Produce Alliance |
| David Stout | Director of Policy, National Retail Association |
| Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson | Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Curtin University, Western Australia |
| Dr Leisa McCarthy | Deputy Director First Nations Engagement & Research Strategy, Menzies School of Health Research |
| Mel Gatfield | National Director, Food & Beverages, NSW Secretary, United Workers Union |
| Pat O'Shannassy | CEO, Grain Trade Australia |
| Su McCluskey | Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security |
| Dr Tracy Sullivan | Independent Director, Yawuru Holdings Company & Primary Partners Pty Ltd Director, Australian Veterinary Semen Morphology |
Council members bring a diverse range of experiences from across Australia's food system including primary producers, processors and distributors to academics and innovators.
The Council will play an advisory role to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on the development of the National Food Security Strategy, Feeding Australia.
All Australians benefit from improved food security and Feeding Australia will be developed with all Australians having the opportunity to contribute, including our proud farmers and producers.
Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry production is forecast to reach a record value of more than $100 billion this financial year.
While Australia has a world class food system, feeding people both at home and abroad, supported by strict food safety and biosecurity measures, we cannot afford to be complacent, or to ignore the new and emerging challenges facing our food and supply chains.
The first council meeting will be held before the end of the year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The National Food Council will help shape the future of food security in Australia, which is why I'm so pleased to be announcing the council membership today.
"I look forward to working closely with the members of the National Food Council and hearing their expert advice through the development of National Food Security Strategy Feeding Australia.
"Our food security is robust and plays an important role in shoring up food security for our trading partners.
"However, we can't afford to be complacent. It's important to know what we need to do to improve our systems. Australia is exposed to challenges ahead, whether because of a changing climate or because of international supply and demand.
"Feeding Australia, and the advice from our National Food Council, will enable us to find the way ahead to greater food security across our supply chains, no matter what the future brings."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm:
"By establishing the National Food Council, the Albanese Government is taking another important step in boosting the productivity, resilience, and security of Australia's food system.
"We know that industry wholeheartedly support the need for a coordinated national policy when it comes to Australia's food security.
"The National Food Council brings together vast experience and expertise from our sector, and their advice will be vital as we continue to develop the National Food Security Strategy.
"Meaningful collaboration and a focus on strengthening our supply chains will ensure we safeguard our food system and improve household food security for millions of Australians into the future."
