The NSW Government has appointed Dr. Marion Healy PSM as the state’s first Independent Biosecurity Commissioner to help the NSW Government in safeguarding the future of the agriculture sector.
The appointment comes following Healy’s successful tenure as the interim Commissioner, which commenced in June 2023.
“It is an honour to be appointed to this role and I commend the NSW Government for its commitment to prioritising this growing issue,” said Healy.
“Collaboration and coordination will be key to success as biosecurity is a shared responsibility. I know how hard farmers work to fight invasive pests and weeds on their land, I will work to ensure they are not doing this alone.”
Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over twenty years of experience in senior roles across government and industry.
For her outstanding public service to policy and regulatory practice Dr. Healy was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.
This appointment follows the NSW Government passing the Biosecurity Amendment (Independent Biosecurity Commissioner) Bill in November 2023.
The appointment of an Independent Biosecurity Commissioner will strengthen the impact and accountability of the $945.7 million biosecurity protection program announced in the recent budget.
Dr. Healy will provide independent and impartial advice to the Parliament and Government on the program’s effectiveness and opportunities for improvement.
The Biosecurity Commissioner’s work and the NSW Government’s commitment to regional New South Wales’s industries will be supported by further appointments to follow.
Rachel Connell has been appointed as the deputy secretary of Agriculture and Biosecurity in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Kate Lorimer-Ward has been appointed as the first ever female CEO of Local Land services.
Biosecurity threats have an impact beyond the farm-gate, with invasive species costing New South Wales approximately $2.4 billion annually, including the cost of lost production from pests and weeds.
These appointments lay an important foundation to boost the state’s response to and protection from biosecurity threats.
