Barnaby Joyce said he expects a strong response from applicants for the vacant CEO position at the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
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The federal agency moved to Armidale in April, and applications opened this week for a new CEO, following the resignation of Kareena Arthy in the same month the APVMA moved from Canberra.
Following the appointment of Dr Chris Parker as interim Chief Executive Officer last month, Mr Joyce said a comprehensive merit-based recruitment process was underway.
“As part of the Coalition’s decentralisation agenda to bring more jobs and services to the regions the appointment of a permanent CEO, to be based in Armidale, will provide new leadership and fresh ideas for Australia’s regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals,” Mr Joyce said.
Mr Joyce, said he was pleased to meet with Dr Parker, following his appointment as Interim CEO.
“Dr Parker has valuable experience as a qualified veterinarian. He is a former farmer, and has extensive experience in a range of private and government sector roles,” Mr Joyce said.
He said the appointment would give the APVMA some certainty as it takes the next steps to build a world class regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemical products in regional Australia.
The opening of the APVMA office in Armidale is a critical move in delivering a centre of agricultural excellence in the city.
- Barnaby Joyce
“The opening of the APVMA office in Armidale is a critical move in delivering a centre of agricultural excellence in the city, bringing vital government services to the doorstep of the people that use them - as promised by The Nationals.”
Mr Joyce said the government was looking for a suitably qualified person to inspire the APVMA’s workforce, with strong skills to motivate, empower and lead change and who is committed to forging a stronger connection with regional Australia.
“It’s a big job, but I know that there is somebody out there who is just as committed as I am to delivering long overdue improvements to the APVMA’s performance and improving access to agricultural and veterinary chemicals for Australian farmers.
“Based on the incredible interest we received for the two Armidale based jobs advertised last month, which attracted more than 30 applications, I would expect a very strong response again as we continue our decentralisation program to grow jobs in regional Australia.
He said strengthening Armidale’s agricultural science focus was already realising positive outcomes.
“Two new regulatory science post-graduate degrees have already been established by the University of New England, which will deliver a ready source of highly qualified future staff for the APVMA.
“I look forward to progressing this work to ensure our regions can build resilience and thrive into the future through the economic diversification.”
To find out more about this unique opportunity to lead and shape the APVMA of the future – and for a copy of the candidate pack – visit derwentexecutive.com.au and search for reference 22338.