Appointment of Chief Executive Officer

The Cattle Australia (CA) board of directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Chris Parker to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective 15 November.

Well, known to Industry for his recent role as First Assistant Secretary Biosecurity Animal Division and National Animal Disease Preparedness Coordinator within the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Dr Parker was raised and educated in Western Australia and graduated from Murdoch University with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

He commenced work in private veterinary practice in the southeast of South Australia, before owning and operating a livestock grazing and farming property in the mid-north of the state. During this time, Dr Parker was highly engaged in the livestock industry as chairman of the South Australian Farmers Federation Livestock Section. Today, outside of his external roles, he operates a small grazing enterprise near Murrumbateman in New South Wales.

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During his career at DAFF, Dr Parker’s work included key leadership roles with great relevance to Australian grass-fed beef production, including:

• Chief Executive Officer, Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority

• Minister Counsellor Agriculture, Australian Embassy, Washington DC

• General Manager Multilateral Trade Branch with the Trade and Market Access Division

• First Assistant Secretary, Biosecurity Plant Division

• Ministerial adviser and senior adviser with responsibility for the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Biosecurity Australia.

Cattle Australia Chair, David Foote, said Dr Parker’s experience will bring extensive knowledge and experience that will benefit CA members.

“Chris is not only highly technically trained, with a deep understanding of government and policy, but is a primary producer himself, ideally positioning him to work in collaboration with our board and members to be a powerful voice representing grass-fed cattle producers throughout the country,” Mr. Foote said.

“The CA board also extends its gratitude to the fellow director, Adam Coffey, who has led the organisation admirably over the past few months as interim CEO, while a full-time appointment was recruited.”

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About Cattle Australia

CA is the legislated peak industry, and representative body for the nation’s single largest agricultural sector and levy payer - the grass-fed cattle industry.

With an annual value of production of approximately $20bn, directly employing 35,000 people and managing an estimated 42% of the Australian landmass, the grass-fed cattle industry forms the backbone of rural, regional, and remote Australia.

“Chris will hit the ground running and is looking forward to meeting our members at the inaugural Regional Consultative Committee and AGM in Albury on Friday, 17 November,” Mr Foote said.