Date of issue: 9 December 2022
Date of effect: Immediate
Reference Number: IAN 2022-07
Attention
Organic operators and exporters, organic certifying bodies, industry bodies
Purpose
To advise of the newly appointed independent chair of the National Standard Advisory Committee.
Key points
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has established the new role of an independent chair of the National Standard Advisory Committee (NSAC).
The NSAC provides advice to the department on the National Standard for Organic and Bio-dynamic Produce (National Standard). It also reviews and makes recommendations on amendments, revisions or updates to the National Standard.
The appointment of an independent chair strengthens the department’s commitment to ensuring the National Standard is fit for purpose, meets industry needs and helps further export markets for Australian organic produce.
An independent chair is a vital principle of good corporate governance. The role sets the transparency and accountability standards for the organic export industry expected by the department. It also manages conflicts of interest and sets the ethical tone of the committee.
The department is pleased to announce, Ms Jo-Anne Harrison has been appointed as the independent chair of the NSAC for a term of 4 years. Ms Harrison brings with her extensive experience in standards and governance. Some of Ms Harrison’s achievements include;
- 15 years as the Chair of one of Standards Australia’s Technical Committees - Project, Programme and Portfolio Management (TC258 MB‐012)
- lecturer at the Governance Institute of Australia on corporate governance, risk management, business continuity, reputational risk and project governance
- more than 15 years’ experience spanning multiple Chair and Director roles within Australian and multinational organisations
- Masters, Postgraduate and Graduate education in governance, finance, and project management.
The department congratulates Ms Harrison on her appointment.
Further information
Contact OrganicExports@aff.gov.au if you have any queries.
The information provided in this advice is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.