I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr James Findlay as the new Director of National Parks.
Dr Findlay will be responsible for Australia’s six Commonwealth National Parks, three of which are jointly managed with traditional owners, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and the 58 Australian Marine Parks.
This portfolio includes some of the nation’s most iconic tourism destinations, the dual World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park.
Dr Findlay is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, with responsibility for the management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources.
He brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, including a PhD in fisheries biology and extensive experience working in senior government roles in the areas of natural resource management, policy and management.
I would like to thank Dr Judy West, who has been acting Director of National Parks since February this year.
Dr West has passionately served Parks Australia for many years, and I’m grateful for her leadership and expertise. Following the commencement of Dr Findlay, she will resume her role as Executive Director of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
The Director of National Parks is a statutory officer holder, charged under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 with helping to conserve Australia’s biodiversity and cultural heritage in Commonwealth reserves and conservation zones.
Dr Findlay’s appointment will commence on 26 November 2018.
