By DAN RYAN
The NSW Government has appointed Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, with her three-year term set to begin on September 1, 2025.
The appointment follows the early departure of Dr Marion Healy, who stepped down from the role for personal reasons. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said Dr Clift brings a wealth of experience to the position, having held senior biosecurity leadership roles in Victoria, Western Australia and internationally.
“I would like to congratulate Dr Katherine Clift on her appointment to the role of NSW Independent Biosecurity Commissioner and look forward to the application of her career’s impressive experience in biosecurity and public sector leadership to our priority projects,” Ms Moriarty said.
“There is important work to progress so that our farmers and regional communities can continue their work with the confidence that our Government is taking biosecurity seriously.”
Dr Clift said she was honoured to take up the position.
“My career has been grounded in a commitment to working closely with rural and regional communities, industry stakeholders, and across government to build practical, effective, and trusted systems,” she said.
“I understand the critical role strong partnerships and local capability play in achieving biosecurity outcomes and I am a passionate advocate for collaborative and community-informed approaches.”
The NSW Government created the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner role following the 2023 election to strengthen oversight and advice on biosecurity threats. In this year’s budget, it allocated $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries.
Dr Clift’s background includes time as Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, Executive Director of Biosecurity Victoria, and representation of New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries in Brussels.
Minister Moriarty also thanked Dr Healy for her contribution as the state’s first Commissioner, noting her reports on pest and weed management and invasive species compliance are currently being considered by government.