Media Release
New Inspector-General of Biosecurity appointed
- Mr Rob Delane appointed as incoming Inspector-General of Biosecurity
- Role provides independent evaluation and verification of Australia’s biosecurity risk management
- Mr Delane has 40 years’ experience in science-based work, including across animal and plant biosecurity
Mr Rob Delane has been appointed the next Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB).
The IGB helps keep Australia safe from exotic pests and diseases through independent evaluation and verification of our biosecurity system.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said Mr Delane would bring a wealth of experience to the role.
“The Inspector General of Biosecurity provides a valuable independent perspective as they assess and improve how we manage Australia’s biosecurity,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Increased passenger movement and trade means more biosecurity risks and challenges, so it is important to review our systems to make sure they are effective.
With 40 years’ experience in science-based work, including biosecurity programs across animal and plant industries, Mr Delane is well qualified.
“We need a strong biosecurity system to protect our farms, our $60 billion farm industry, our environment and our way of life, which could all be threatened by pests and diseases.
“Mr Delane has been appointed as IGB for a three year term. I thank our current IGB, Dr Helen Scott-Orr, for her efforts to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system. Dr Scott-Orr’s term expires in July 2019, at which time Mr Delane will take up the role.
“Dr Scott-Orr has been in the role since 2016, and in this time has completed a number of reviews including those on uncooked prawn imports, invasive mosquitoes, and is also working on current inquiries including into pre-border biosecurity measures, and managing the risks of brown marmorated stink bugs.”
For more information on the Inspector-General of Biosecurity visit: igb.gov.au.
Fast Facts:
- The Inspector-General of Biosecurity is appointed under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
- The volumes of passenger, shipping and containerised cargo arrivals in Australia are set to increase by more than 70 per cent by 2025.
- ABARES have found that good national biosecurity systems can save the average farmer up to $17,500 per farm per year.
