- Experienced consultant and former public servant Professor Warren Harding appointed new Chair of Biosecurity Council of WA
- Council provides independent advice to the Agriculture and Food Minister on biosecurity systems
- Professor Harding takes over from retiring Chair Justin Bellanger, who had served on the Council for five years
Distinguished international consultant Professor Warren Harding has been appointed Chair of the Biosecurity Council of Western Australia.
Professor Harding's career commenced in agriculture 30 years ago with the then Department of Agriculture, later holding senior positions with State Development and Treasury.
His consulting work spans health, strategy, science and information systems, as well as global resources and primary industries clients from the public and private sectors.
He holds Professorships with several universities and is Chair of Alzheimer's WA.
In 2023, Professor Harding was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for services to business, technology and community health.
Professor Harding takes over the helm from retiring Chair Justin Bellanger, who provided valuable leadership on the Council for the past five years.
The Biosecurity Council of WA provides independent advice on WA's biosecurity system to help ensure primary industries, the environment, social amenity and export market access are protected effectively from pest and disease threats.
The Council is established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act to provide advice to the Agriculture and Food Minister and the Director General of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
For more information about the role of the Biosecurity Council of WA visit www.dpird.wa.gov.au/biosecurity-council-wa
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Professor Harding brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Biosecurity Council of WA, providing insights into international science and strategy innovations and advances to reinforce our biosecurity defences.
"He is well equipped for the role, with a deep personal interest in aquatic, plant and animal biosecurity and safeguarding the State's agricultural and horticultural industries.
"I thank Mr Bellanger for his contributions to the Council throughout the past five years and look forward to working closely with Professor Harding and the Council on strengthening WA's biosecurity system."
