Recruitment drive for food safety boards

5 February 2024

State food safety regulators PrimeSafe and Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) are looking for 11 new board members and applications are open now.

Five board positions are available at PrimeSafe, the state’s regulator for the food safety of meat, poultry, and seafood. Six board positions are up for renewal at DFSV, responsible for regulating Victoria’s dairy industry.

Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dr Trevor Pisciotta encouraged applicants with a variety of backgrounds to join the boards.

‘We’re looking for candidates with expertise and skills across many different areas to lead the strategic direction of the regulators,’ Dr Pisciotta said.

‘It’s vital the boards have members who can provide practical knowledge of and expertise in Victoria’s meat and dairy industries.’

‘Equally, we need representation from diverse backgrounds and welcome applications from those with experience in governance, finance, legal and business.’

Dr Pisciotta emphasised the importance of meeting high food safety standards in the state, which underpins Victoria’s access to interstate and international markets.

‘Victoria’s regulators play a vital role in upholding Australia’s food safety standards which strengthens our world-class reputation in the meat, seafood and dairy industries.’

‘Our regulatory system is focused on protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in the meat and dairy produced in Victoria,’ Dr Pisciotta said.

The regulators use a licensing and inspection system to ensure that Victorian meat, seafood and dairy businesses comply with the strict safety standards.

Applications are welcome from people with demonstrated industry knowledge and experience across meat, seafood and dairy production or processing. Applications are also encouraged from those experienced in public health and other relevant governance, legal, finance and other skills. This diversity is critical to having a well-balanced board.

Candidates will ideally have Board experience and knowledge in best practice regulation, corporate governance and risk management.

Applications for PrimeSafe board close on Monday 19 February, and applications for DFSV board close on Monday 26 February.

Media contact: Tess Vallance

Phone: 0437 223 276