The Andrews Labor Government has appointed two new industry leaders to chair Victoria’s dairy, meat and seafood safety regulatory bodies.
Michael John Taylor AO has been appointed Chair of Dairy Food Safety Victoria, while Candy Broad has been appointed chair of PrimeSafe – which regulates the red meat, poultry, seafood, game meat and pet food industries.
Mr Taylor brings considerable knowledge and experience of the dairy industry across the entire supply chain, having previously served as Chair of the Gardiner Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Dairy Industry Council.
He also has a strong understanding of industry regulation through his previous work for Victorian and Commonwealth government departments.
The term of the current DFSV chair, Grant Davies, expires on 11 April 2016, with Mr Taylor commencing as Chair on 12 April.
As a former Energy and Resources Minister, Ms Broad has demonstrated experience across government, industry and stakeholder relations.
A resident of regional Victoria, Ms Broad has a strong appreciation of regional industry issues and extensive knowledge of food regulatory practice. She will commence in the role on 1 July 2016, taking over from outgoing Chair Leonard Vallance.
Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford thanked Mr Davies and Mr Vallance for their tireless efforts, professionalism and commitment as Chairs of DFSV and PrimeSafe respectively.
Mr Davis was instrumental in leading the coordinated response to the raw milk case in 2014 and in managing the listeriosis outbreak that occurred in 2012.
Mr Vallance led the 2013 Parliamentary Inquiry into the impact of food safety regulation on farms and other businesses, has overseen significant organisational restructuring of PrimeSafe. He remains an industry leader through his roles at both the Victorian Farmer’s Federation and Cattle Council of Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Ms Broad and Mr Taylor will be invaluable in their new roles – bringing a working knowledge of government and a wealth of industry experience to the table.”
“Mr Davies and Mr Vallance have also been effective and professional leaders of Dairy Food Safety Victoria and PrimeSafe respectively, and I want to publicly thank them for their service.”
“The Andrews Government will continue to be strong backers of our world class food sector. Victoria accounts for approximately 85 per cent of Australia's dairy product exports, 14 per cent of seafood exports and more than 20 per cent of meat exports.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020