Media statement: Adam Fennessy PSM to be new Secretary for Agriculture

I welcome the news that Governor-General has accepted the Prime Minister's recommendation that Mr Adam Fennessy PSM be appointed as the new Secretary for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Mr Fennessy will start in the position on 18 September and brings a wealth of experience in public sector leadership and agriculture, environment and natural resources policy experience to the role.

He has more than 25 years of public sector experience at state and federal levels, most recently as the Victorian Public Sector Commissioner.

He has also served as the Secretary of the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, and the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

Mr Fennessy will join the department following the retirement of Andrew Metcalfe AO.

My relationship with Mr Metcalfe was one of strong collaboration and openness, and I am looking forward to working with Mr Fennessy in partnership with the agricultural sector to strengthen our biosecurity protections, grow our export markets, invest in improved sustainability practices and support our farming communities to prepare for the opportunities of the future.

I would like to thank Acting Secretary Ms Cindy Briscoe for her leadership of the department in the transition period following the retirement of Andrew Metcalfe.