The federal government has announced the inaugural members of the National Food Council, the first step in developing its national food security strategy, Feeding Australia. The council includes representatives from across the food system and will play an advisory role to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister.
The National Food Council
Andrew Henderson – Agsecure principal and Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior fellow
Barry Irvin – Bega Group executive chairman
Dr Chris Downs – Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) University of Queensland director
Claire McClelland – Australian Fresh Produce Alliance CEO
David Stout – National Retail Association director of policy
Dr Liz Jackson – Curtin University associate professor of Supply Chain Management & Logistics
Dr Leisa McCarthy – Menzies School of Health Research deputy director First Nations Engagement & Research Strategy
Mel Gatfield – United Workers Union national director, Food & Beverages and NSW Secretary
Pat O'Shannassy – Grain Trade Australia CEO
Su McCluskey – Crawford Fund for Food Security chair
Dr Tracy Sullivan – Yawuru Holdings Company & Primary Partners independent director, and Australian Veterinary Semen Morphology director
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the council would help shape the future of food security in Australia.
“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,” Collins said.
The government called for expressions of interest to be a part of the advisory council in August and said it received applications from a high calibre of applicants.
The resulting council reflects a diverse range of experiences from across Australia’s food system including primary producers, processors and distributors to academics and innovators, it said.
The government has been under increasing pressure for a lack of action and funding when it came to the country’s food system. A series of government inquiries and industry reports had been delivering comprehensive recommendations to ensure the food system was sustainable, secure, equitable, and profitable.
Assistant minister, Anthony Chisholm, said the government knows that the sector supports the need for a coordinated national food security policy.
“The National Food Council brings together vast experience and expertise from our sector, and their advice will be vital as we continue to develop the national food security strategy.
“Meaningful collaboration and a focus on strengthening our supply chains will ensure we safeguard our food system and improve household food security for millions of Australians into the future.”
The National Farmers Federation president, Hamish McIntyre, said putting the country’s supply chain “under the microscope” was long overdue.
“We must also look at all the potential cracks in the system, including domestic pressure on land, water and infrastructure.
“A strong and resilient food system relates directly to farmers’ bottom lines and keeping food affordable for Australian households,” McIntyre said.
He also welcomed the appointment of Su McCluskey, NFF’s interim chief executive, and Tracy Sullivan – a director with NFF member, the Australian Veterinary Association.
“Ms McCluskey’s deep understanding of agricultural systems in Australia and abroad makes her appointment a win for all farmers.
“The NFF looks forward to working with all council members and the Government to develop a strategy that delivers for farmers and all Australians,” he said.
