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.
Renewed Biosecurity Reference Group - Applications now closed
Agriculture Victoria is renewing and expanding the membership of the Biosecurity Reference Group.
Representatives from industry and community were invited to submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Biosecurity Reference Group.
New members will provide vital input and feedback that will help to shape the future of biosecurity in Victoria.
Members of the renewed and expanded group will guide the implementation of the Strategy, including where and how effort and resources will be invested.
Diverse expertise from across Victoria’s biosecurity system, including Traditional Owners, the agricultural sector, supply chains, community and environment will contribute.
Applications closed at 5pm on Wednesday, 3 April, 2024. Announcement of new members will be made via the Strengthening Victoria’s Biosecurity System news and direct email to successful and unsuccessful applicants.
Terms of Reference
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2022 - 2023 BRG membership
Appointments to phase one of the reference group were for the period of January 2022 to June 2023.
Thirteen community and industry representatives were appointed to help guide Victoria’s work to strengthen the biosecurity system.
Members provided feedback and input on potential biosecurity investments, reform and strategy development. The BRG worked closely with Agriculture Victoria and other stakeholders set our strategic direction through the development of the Biosecurity Statement and Strategy.
Members were selected based on experience and skills in at least one of the following areas: biosecurity operations or strategy, biosecurity or agricultural policy, engagement and communications, biosecurity science or managing biosecurity risks.
Members were also required to have an established network in at least one of the following sectors is also required: agriculture, aquaculture, community development, environment, or food and fibre supply chain.
2022 - 2023 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
- Monday, 28 March 2022 - Meeting summary (WORD - 121.9 KB)
- Monday, 2 May 2022 - Meeting summary (WORD - 110.0 KB)
- Monday, 15 August 2022 – Meeting summary (WORD - 130.8 KB)
- Wednesday, 16 November 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 131.5 KB)
- Tuesday, 14 March 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 131.3 KB)
- Wednesday, 3 May 2023 – Meeting summary (WORD - 135.9 KB)