A new Chief Executive Officer and Board Chair have been appointed to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) after almost two years of turmoil for the Armidale based regulator.
The APVMA Board has appointed Scott Hansen as the new APVMA CEO for a five-year term as of 24 July 2024. The highly respected former managing director of Meat and Livestock Australia was let go as director general of the NSW Department of Primary Industries after almost 10 years in the role as part of the restructure that merged DPI with the Department of Regional NSW at the start of this year.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said Mr Hansen was selected by the board as the best candidate for CEO following a merit-based selection process.
“Mr Hansen is an experienced leader with more than three decades of experience in managing large and complex organisations in primary industries.
“Mr Hansen also has a strong track record in driving innovation and culture change to lift performance.”
Performance has not really been APVMA’s problem, with the committed regulatory and scientific staff often applauded for their commitment and dedication to processing applications as efficiently as their antiquated systems and complex regulatory framework would allow, and the vast majority of applications processed on time. However, the failed myAPVMA project that was to replace the clunky online application system, as well as a reportedly toxic workplace environment on the administrative side of the building, often hampered that ongoing good work and caused significant staff turnover, ultimately resulting in the ministerial investigation and wholesale change of the organisation’s leadership.
Dr Catherine Ainsworth has been appointed as the APVMA Board Chair for a term of four years starting from 12 July 2024. She takes over from Dr Steve Jefferies who was serving as the Board’s Acting Chair for the last 12 months, and has another year left on his current term as a board member.
“Dr Ainsworth has significant experience in corporate governance, risk management, regulatory matters, financial management, agriculture and public health,” he said.
“She has extensive experience in administration and board roles, as the Director of Racing Analytical Services, and the Director and Deputy Chair of Harness Racing Victoria and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.”
Minister Watt said the new appointments were a sign of positive reform with the APVMA.
“After the final Rapid Evaluation into the APVMA, we knew there needed to be a change of gears within the organisation,” Minister Watt said.
“The APVMA needs to be strong, well-functioning and orderly so our farmers, consumers, and overseas customers can be assured that we have the world’s best chemical regulator.
“The appointments of Dr Ainsworth and Mr Hansen are important steps towards APVMA moving to a stronger future.”
Appointments welcomed
The appointments have been welcomed by CropLife, the national peak industry organisation for the plant science sector and one of the most significant stakeholders for the APVMA. CropLife CEO Matthew Cossey commend Minister Watt and the Board of the APVMA for their comprehensive recruitment processes, and their recognition of the importance of finding the best possible candidates.
“The APVMA requires strong, competent and visionary leadership capable of identifying and implementing the full suite of regulatory responsibilities.
“This will ensure the Australian community can have complete confidence in this important Regulator and the plant science industry and the national farming sector have an efficient world-leading Regulator to work with,” Mr Cossey said.
“The APVMA is one of the world’s leading regulatory science organisations with a dedicated, skilled and expert workforce. This announcement is a crucial marker in the APVMA’s return to operations in a manner that justifies its world-leading reputation.”
The appointments have also been welcomed by National Farmers Federation, with Acting CEO Charlie Thomas said the appointments were welcome recognition of the need for change and progress at the APVMA.
“Both Dr Ainsworth and Mr Hanson are exceptionally qualified, and we’re really looking forward to working with them to get the APVMA back on track,” he said.
The APVMA were unable to advise if Mr Hansen would be based in Armidale.
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