The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries welcomes the appointment of Dr Sue Fitzpatrick as the Northern Territory's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO).
The Chief Veterinary Officer is a critical leadership role for the Territory's livestock industries, with responsibility for overseeing animal health and welfare, managing biosecurity and emergency animal disease detections, and representing the Northern Territory within Australia's national biosecurity system.
Dr Fitzpatrick returns to the position after previously serving as Chief Veterinary Officer from 2019 to 2023. With qualifications in veterinary science and veterinary public health management, she brings extensive experience in animal health, biosecurity, policy development and emergency animal disease preparedness.
Widely recognised as a strong leader across Northern Australia, Dr Fitzpatrick is currently leading the Northern Territory's preparedness efforts for H5 bird flu, helping ensure Territory industries and communities remain well positioned to respond to emerging biosecurity risks.
Dr Fitzpatrick has been directly appointed to the role under the Executive Remuneration Review Panel Framework, with all required criteria met, including a merit-based selection at level through an open selection process conducted in August 2025.
Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Amelia Vellar, said Dr Fitzpatrick's appointment ensures strong leadership and continuity for the Territory's livestock sector.
"Dr Sue Fitzpatrick is an outstanding leader with a proven track record in protecting and advancing the Northern Territory's livestock industries," Ms Vellar said.
"Dr Fitzpatrick's return as Chief Veterinary Officer comes at an important time as we continue to strengthen the Territory's biosecurity systems, prepare for emerging disease threats and invest in new compliance and investigative capabilities."
As Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Fitzpatrick will also oversee the development of the new Livestock Investigations and Compliance Unit, with recently announced funding of $1 million per annum from 1 July 2026. The new unit will strengthen livestock compliance and investigative capabilities across the Territory. With a focus on Central Australia the new positions are currently being developed and evaluated.
Dr Fitzpatrick said she was excited to return to the role and continue working alongside industry, government and community partners to protect the Northern Territory's enviable animal health status.
"Strong biosecurity systems are essential to supporting our livestock industries, maintaining market access and ensuring the Territory is prepared to respond to animal disease threats," Dr Fitzpatrick said.
"I am committed to working closely with industry, government and community partners to ensure the Northern Territory remains at the forefront of animal health, welfare and biosecurity across Northern Australia."
