Food Standards Australia New Zealand board appointments 2009

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Mark Butler, has announced four new appointments and three reappointments to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Board, the independent statutory agency that develops food standards and joint codes of practice with industry for the content and labelling of food sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Butler said that these appointments, made with the agreement of the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council, would ensure stability and a strong consumer voice in the development of food standards for Australia and New Zealand.

“Our rigorous food regulatory system provides assurance about the safety of foods sold in Australia and New Zealand, protects the health of the public, and ensures that consumers are informed,” said Butler. Jenni Mack, Dr James Murray, Dr David Roberts and Associate Professor Winsome Parnell are new appointments to the Board.

“Ms Jenni Mack's extensive background in consumer affairs and policy will be an asset to the Board,” said Butler. Mack represents consumers on several government and non-government boards, and chairs CHOICE, one of Australia’s peak consumer organisations. Her consumer work has spanned areas such as food, chemicals, financial services, licensing, enforcement, compliance and standards setting.

Dr James Murray has expertise, both nationally and internationally, in diseases transferred from animals to humans, veterinary public health and on-farm food safety as well as his experience in the prevention, management and control of emerging infectious diseases. His skills encompass policy, program development and delivery. In 2008, Dr Murray was a recipient of the Order of Australia.

Dr David Roberts has extensive experience in food policy and regulation. He has worked with both government and non-government organisations on food policy and regulatory matters, as well as food processing and standards setting. He is currently the Chair of the NSW Branch of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology.

Associate Professor Winsome Parnell has been appointed for a period of two years as a representative of the New Zealand government. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, New Zealand, and is currently the Nutrition Director for the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey.

Professor Katrine Baghurst, Dr Michele Allan and Peter Boyden have been reappointed for four years. “These reappointments reflect the valuable contribution and expertise each member has brought to food regulation over the past four years,” said Butler.

“They maintain the strong representation of public health, nutrition, and food science and technology issues on the Board.”

Butler thanked retiring members Dr John Craven, Peter Milne, Dr Pamela Williams and Hikihiki Pihema for their contribution to the Board. “Their achievements and service have been substantial and their expertise has helped ensure the Board's effective and efficient operation,” he said.