A former Commonwealth Ombudsman, Philippa Smith, has been appointed as chair of the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) board. Smith will take up the position for four years.
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, Senator Jan McLucas, said that Smith “has had a high-profile career covering wide-ranging roles, including those of Commonwealth Ombudsman, and chief executive officer of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.”
Senator McLucas also announced that former New Zealand member of Parliament, Dianne Yates had been appointed as a new member of the FSANZ board for four years.
Senator McLucas said the appointments will maintain the strong representation of public health, food science and technology, human nutrition, international trade and consumer issues on the FSANZ board.
Senator McLucas said Ms Yates had extensive experience across issues of international trade, health and consumer affairs.
“She was, until very recently, Chair of the New Zealand Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Select Committee, Chair of the Education and Science Select Committee, and was a member of the Health Select Committee,” explained Senator McLucas.
“Yates has a firm grasp of current debates in science demonstrated through her Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill, a scientifically detailed Private Member’s Bill introduced and passed through the New Zealand Parliament.
“The new board represents an excellent mix of experience with top people in their fields of expertise.
“This is an exceptionally strong board, which will continue to move us forward in food regulation in Australia and New Zealand.
“It will also maintain the strong representation of public health, food science and technology, human nutrition, international trade and consumer issues on the FSANZ Board.”
For further information contact:
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand
info@foodstandards.gov.au
www.foodstandards.gov.au