The NSW Government has announced Dr Katherine Clift as the state’s new Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, to provide expert advice and strengthen the state’s safeguards against biosecurity threats.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed the announcement that one of Dr Clift’s first priorities will be to provide advice on the state’s Cattle Tick Program.

“The tick program has been running for more than 100 years in our region, to protect livestock in north-east NSW up to the Queensland border, where the tick is a well-known pest.

“I have been working with farmers, veterinarians and farmers' organisations to get attention for this program and am very pleased to see it has been flagged as such an important issue for the Commissioner.

“The NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, has asked Dr Clift to determine the most effective approach for the future management of cattle tick in NSW, and I thank the Minister for highlighting this as a priority.

“Dr Clift will work with stakeholders in the beef industry in our region, review the present program and make recommendations for improvements to get more effective biosecurity outcomes.

“Dr Clift is an internationally respected leader in biosecurity animal welfare, and regulatory reform, and recently held the role of Commonwealth Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports.

“It was a Minns Government election commitment to set up the role of Biosecurity Commissioner to provide independent expert advice on biosecurity protection, detection and response. This year, the government has invested a historic $1.05 billion to protect the state’s primary industries and boost growth in the sector.”