The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) acknowledges the statement by Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Minister for Emergency Management, published on 10 February 2023.
The APVMA takes the issues outlined in Minister Watt’s statement seriously. The Board is committed to all processes that allow the allegations to be examined, including actions already taken by Minister Watt to refer them to appropriate authorities for consideration and investigation.
The Board has announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lisa Croft, will take a period of leave. Ms Nicola Hinder PSM has been appointed as Interim CEO of the APVMA.
Ms Hinder’s appointment will allow the APVMA’s focus to remain on ensuring that Australians are provided with timely access to safe and effective agricultural and veterinary chemical products that support agricultural productivity and provide improved animal health and biosecurity outcomes.
The Board is looking forward to working with Ms Hinder to continue the program of improvements in governance, workplace culture, and behaviour already underway. Support for the APVMA’s staff will also remain of the highest priority.
The APVMA’s stakeholders, and the broader Australian public, should have full confidence that the valuable work of the organisation continues, carried out by professional and dedicated staff who care deeply about what they do, and whose work is vital to Australia’s agricultural and animal health industries.