The Minns Labor Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state's new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner as part of the Government's ongoing work to build a better New South Wales safeguarding the state's economy against biosecurity threats.
Committed to during the 2023 election, the Minns Government established the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent, expert advice, which informs the government's biosecurity protection, detection and response program.
In this year's budget our Government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state's primary industries to boost the economic growth of the sector.
Having held senior leadership positions for biosecurity in Victoria, Western Australia and overseas, Dr Clift brings valuable expertise to support the continued improvement of NSW's biosecurity systems and programs.
The appointment of Dr Clift follows on from the incumbent Dr Marion Healy needing to finish her term early as Commissioner due to personal reasons.
Dr Clift will continue Dr Healy's work in strengthening the NSW biosecurity framework, with a focus on improving the effectiveness and transparency of pest and weed management across the state.
One of Dr Clift's first priorities will be to provide advice on the state's Cattle Tick Program, which has been ongoing for more than 100 years with the aim to protect the state's livestock operations along the border with Queensland from where cattle tick is an established pest.
The NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty has requested that the Commissioner determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW.
In developing their advice, Dr Clift will undertake the following:
- work with stakeholders in the beef industry and north-east communities
- review the present program
- recommend opportunities to improve the program for more effective biosecurity outcomes.
Dr Clift's appointment reflects her proven leadership, technical expertise, and deep commitment to Australia's biosecurity and animal welfare systems, while building public trust through strong partnerships and innovation.
Dr Clift's appointment as Independent Biosecurity Commissioner is for a three-year term and will commence on 1 September 2025.
The NSW Government thanks Dr. Healy for her work, which saw her provide two important reports to government, that are presently being considered, covering the following:
- an examination of governance structures to optimise the management of pests and weeds in NSW
- opportunities to improve compliance and enforcement approaches to invasive species management in NSW.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:
"I would like to congratulate Dr Katherine Clift on her appointment to the role of NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and look forward to the application of her career's impressive experience in biosecurity and public sector leadership to our priority projects.
"There is important work to progress so that our farmers and regional communities can continue their work with the confidence that our Government is taking biosecurity seriously.
"The NSW Government extends its gratitude to Dr Healy for her work in the inaugural statutory role of Biosecurity Commissioner, and I thank her for the important contribution she has made to the role and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
"I look forward to Dr Clift's advice on the state's Cattle Tick Program, so that the NSW Government can continue to build a better program for our north-eastern cattle industry.
"The current program receives more than $4 million per year in funding and I want to ensure we keep on delivering what is best for industry, the community and government."
NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift said:
"It is an honour to accept the position of Independent Biosecurity Commissioner for NSW.
"My career has been grounded in a commitment to working closely with rural and regional communities, industry stakeholders, and across government to build practical, effective, and trusted systems.
"I understand the critical role strong partnerships and local capability play in achieving biosecurity outcomes and I am a passionate advocate for collaborative and community-informed approaches.
"Dr Healy's work has been integral in building public trust, promoting accountability and transparency, and supporting better biosecurity outcomes for our communities and natural environment - I look forward to continuing this important work."
Background for Dr Katherine Clift
Dr Katherine Clift is a nationally and internationally respected leader in biosecurity, animal welfare, and regulatory reform.
Dr Clift has a lifelong connection to primary industries, having grown up on a farm in South Australia before beginning her career as a rural veterinarian. Plus has a Master of Veterinary Public Health Management, is an Australian Institute of Company Directors graduate, and Executive Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand School of Government.
Dr Clift recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, where she provided independent oversight of the Commonwealth livestock export regulatory system.
Her previous roles include Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, where she secured major investment in biosecurity preparedness, delivered major improvements in regulatory capability, modernisation of service delivery and developed the state's Biosecurity Strategy.
She has represented both Australia and New Zealand on the global stage, including as Counsellor in Brussels, representing the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries across Europe.
