The Queensland Government has appointed Debra-Lee Best as Chairperson and Director of Safe Food Production Queensland’s (Safe Food) Board.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Mrs Best’s substantial experience in public administration and financial management made her the ideal Chairperson for Safe Food’s Board.
“I have no doubt Safe Food will benefit from Mrs Best’s exemplary leadership and experience over the next three years,” Mr Furner said.
Mrs Best currently serves as Chair of the Queensland Heritage Council, Chair of the Audit Committee of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, a member of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Electoral Commission of Queensland and a member of the State Award Committee for the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.
Mrs Best has more than 36 years of executive leadership experience in Queensland in areas ranging from education, indigenous policy and programs, multicultural affairs, environmental management, community engagement and natural resource management.
She has previously held positions of Director-General, Deputy Director-General, Assistant Director-General, Regional Director, and secondary principal. She is also a former Board member and Trustee of QSuper.
“I am very excited about this appointment,” Mrs Best said.
“Safe Food is well regarded nationally for its contribution to Australia’s food safety network standards.
“I look forward to being able to continue this work and help guide the strategic direction of the agency.”
Safe Food regulates the primary production and processing of meat, eggs, dairy, seafood and horticulture (seed sprouts) in Queensland. Its role is it to ensure that Queensland’s food production systems meet national food safety standards and potential threats to the integrity of the food supply chain are identified and dealt with decisively.
ENDS
Media contacts:
Minister Furner – Ron Goodman – 0427 781 920
Safe Food Production Queensland – Jim Dodds – 07 3253 9800