Food industry members of Australia's National Food Council

The Australian Government announced the members of the nation’s first National Food Council on 21 November. The council has been established to take on an advisory role in the development of the National Food Security Strategy, ‘Feeding Australia’.

The appointment of the 11 members on the council follows an expression of interest process, which had strong interest from across the food supply chain. The high calibre of members selected on the council reflects the importance of this role as well as the diversity and complexity of Australia’s food system. Members were selected from across Australia’s food system — from primary producers, processors and distributors to academics and innovators.

The National Food Council members are:

• Andrew Henderson, Principal, Agsecure; Senior Fellow — Australian Strategic Policy Institute
• Barry Irvin AM, Executive Chairman, Bega Group
• Dr Christopher Downs, Director, Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), University of Queensland
• Claire McClelland, CEO, Australian Fresh Produce Alliance
• David Stout, Director of Policy, National Retail Association
• Dr Elizabeth (Liz) Jackson, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management & Logistics, Curtin University, Western Australia
• Dr Leisa McCarthy, Deputy Director First Nations Engagement & Research Strategy, Menzies School of Health Research
• Mel Gatfield, National Director, Food & Beverages, NSW Secretary, United Workers Union
• Pat O'Shannassy, CEO, Grain Trade Australia
• Su McCluskey, Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security
• Dr Tracy Sullivan, Independent Director, Yawuru Holdings Company & Primary Partners Pty Ltd and Director, Australian Veterinary Semen Morphology

While Australia has a world class food system, supported by strict food safety and biosecurity measures, the council will be required to advise on new and emerging challenges facing food and supply chains. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins MP said the council will help shape the future of food security in Australia.

“I look forward to working closely with the members of the National Food Council and hearing their expert advice through the development of National Food Security Strategy Feeding Australia,” Collins said.

“Our food security is robust and plays an important role in shoring up food security for our trading partners.

“However, we can’t afford to be complacent. It’s important to know what we need to do to improve our systems. Australia is exposed to challenges ahead, whether because of a changing climate or because of international supply and demand.

“Feeding Australia, and the advice from our National Food Council, will enable us to find the way ahead to greater food security across our supply chains, no matter what the future brings.”

The first council meeting will be held before the end of the year.

Image credit: iStock.com/JohnnyGreig