Oversight of Australia’s biosecurity system is set to remain strong, with Dr Helen Scott-Orr PSM appointed as the inaugural Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) under the new Biosecurity Act 2015. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, said Dr Scott-Orr brought significant experience to the position.

“Dr Scott-Orr is vastly experienced, particularly in animal and veterinary sciences, where her 40-year career has improved animal health across three continents,” Minister Joyce said.

“The role of the IGB is an important one—it provides an independent perspective and it is one of the critical mechanisms to assess and improve how we manage Australia’s biosecurity.

“Dr Scott-Orr has served in high level positions in government, education and veterinary practice in Australia, Indonesia and the United Kingdom, including as Chief of Animal Health in NSW, and headed up a range of capacity building projects in Indonesia. 

“This work has seen her receive a Public Service Medal for her outstanding contribution to agricultural and veterinary science. Much of her work in government has been in disease prevention and preparedness, and she brings a sound understanding of Australia’s biosecurity system to the role.

“It is an incredibly important system—it protects our plant and animal health, which underpins our agricultural industries, economy and environment.

“Australia’s biosecurity system protects our farmers’ incomes and is essential to our enviable access to overseas markets—ABARES recently conservatively estimated that it’s worth up to $17,500 a year to an average Australian farmer.

“I’m confident that Dr Scott-Orr’s skills and experience will provide strong oversight of our biosecurity system.”

Minister Joyce thanked outgoing interim IGB Dr Michael Bond for his work over the last three years.

“Dr Bond has provided exemplary service throughout his tenure as interim IGB and provided advice to government on many important issues,” Minister Joyce said.

“He has undertaken 15 audits and reviews and provided recommendations on a host of processes and systems, including managing risk for horse imports, pig meat and cut flowers, as well risks associated with international online purchases.

“I thank Dr Bond for his service and wish him well for the future.”

Dr Scott-Orr will start in the role on 25 July 2016, for a three year term.

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