Victoria’s Biosecurity Reference Group

A stronger biosecurity system prevents the harms of pests and diseases impacting what matters to all Victorians. The Biosecurity Reference Group ensures industry and community views shape the future of biosecurity in Victoria.

Biosecurity Reference Group

Agriculture Victoria has renewed and expanded the membership of the Biosecurity Reference Group in 2024, following an expression-of-interest assessment process.

The 15 appointed members, including 6 returning members, will provide vital input and feedback that will help to shape the future of biosecurity in Victoria.

Starting in June 2024, members of the renewed and expanded group will guide the implementation of Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy.

Members bring diverse expertise from across Victoria’s biosecurity system, including Traditional Owners, the agricultural sector, supply chains, community and environment.

Terms of reference

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Members

  • Alina Hawkin, Livestock & Rural Transporters Association of Victoria
  • Andrew Tyler, Tyler Farms – dairy farm
  • Callum Fletcher, Grains Research and Development Corporation
  • Catherine Ainsworth, horse racing and entertainment industries
  • Danyel Cucinotta, Victorian Farmers Federation, LT’s egg farm
  • David Reid,  Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria
  • Georgina Gubbins, Maneroo Farms – red meat farm
  • Gerry Leach, Victorian Rabbit Action Network, and livestock and crop farm
  • Holly Cate, Mainstream Aquaculture Group
  • Hugh Millar, veterinary industry
  • Jane Carney, Landcare Victoria, and livestock farm
  • Jordan Crook, Victorian National Parks Association
  • Katherine Clift (Chair), Agriculture Victoria
  • Kelly Blake, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
  • Michael Craig, Carrigeen Pastoral Company – livestock and crop farm
  • Sonia Cooper, Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

Meeting summaries

  1. Tuesday 25 June 2024 – meeting summary (WORD - 136.5 KB)
  2. Monday 16 September 2024 – meeting summary (WORD - 136.3 KB)
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Appointments to phase one of the reference group were for the period of January 2022 to June 2023.

The 13 community and industry representatives were appointed to help guide Victoria’s work to strengthen the biosecurity system and develop Victoria’s biosecurity strategy.

2022–23 members

  • Jane Carney, Chair of Landcare Victoria
  • Ashley Fraser, Managing Director of Baker Seed Co.
  • Danyel Cucinotta, Victorian Farmers Federation Vice President, Chair of VFF Farming Systems Committee and egg farmer at LT’s Egg Farm
  • David Reid, Policy and Technical Manager at Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria
  • Gerald Leach, Chair of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Chair of the VFF Land Management Committee and livestock and cropping farmer
  • Dr Hugh Millar, President of the Victorian Division of the Australian Veterinary Association and former Victorian Chief Veterinary Officer and Executive Directory of Biosecurity
  • Jenny Treeby, Industry Development Manager at the Australian Table Grape Association
  • Dr Jessica Lye, National Citrus Biosecurity Citrus Manager at Citrus Australia
  • Liz Summerville, Southern Regional Manager for the Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association
  • Lyn Coulston OAM, Chair of the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce and Secretary of the Upper Murray Landcare Network
  • Dr Holly Cate, Research & Development Manager at Mainstream Aquaculture Group
  • Dr Ron Glanville, Principal Consultant at Biosecurity Advisory Service and former Queensland Chief Biosecurity Officer, Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Inspector of Stock
  • Professor Tom Kompas, Chief Investigator and Professor at the University of Melbourne’s Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis

Meeting summaries

  1. Monday 28 March 2022 – Meeting summary (WORD - 121.9 KB)
  2. Monday 2 May 2022 – Meeting summary (WORD - 110.0 KB)
  3. Monday 15 August 2022 – Meeting summary (WORD - 130.8 KB)
  4. Wednesday 16 November 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 131.5 KB)
  5. Tuesday 14 March 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 131.3 KB)
  6. Wednesday 3 May 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 135.9 KB)
Page last updated: 28 Apr 2025