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PDF printable version of New head for food regulatory authority (PDF 26 KB)

3 October 2007
MAS49/07

A new Chief Executive Officer, Stephen McCutcheon, will head the food regulatory authority Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) commencing on 29 October 2007.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Brett Mason, and the FSANZ board chairman, Rob Knowles, announced Mr McCutcheon’s appointment today.

Senator Mason said Mr McCutcheon’s skills and experience would strategically guide the organisation in managing increasingly complex food regulatory issues brought about by new technologies and consumer expectations.

“Mr McCutcheon has an excellent record in working with multiple jurisdictions across a variety of complex and difficult matters,” he said.

“Further, he has a good understanding of the need to maintain public confidence in the food supply system through the adequate protection of public health while facilitating innovation and technological advances in the food industry.”

Mr Knowles said the board selected Mr McCutcheon for his demonstrable expertise in science, industry and public health consumer matters, which will strengthen an already solid scientific organisation and ensure it meets the challenges into the future.

“The board is looking forward to working with Mr McCutcheon, who already has detailed knowledge and understanding of the food regulatory system and a proven track record as a sound manager of an organisation of similar size in personnel and budget to FSANZ,” Mr Knowles said.

FSANZ is the food regulatory authority in Australia and New Zealand.

Biographical details of Mr McCutcheon are attached.

For more information call Senator Mason's office on ph 02 6277 3756

Stephen McCutcheon

Mr McCutcheon has been the executive manager, Product Integrity Animal and Plant Health Division, in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry since 2004. He joined the department in 1987 and has served in various roles as assistant director, director and manager, including as a member of the Australian Government Senior Executive Service for the past nine years. During this time he led the team that developed the new food regulatory framework for Australia and New Zealand under the auspices of the Council of Australian Governments, and led the Australian delegations to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and OECD. Mr McCutcheon holds a Bachelor of Economics degree from Sydney University and a Graduate Diploma of Public Law from the Australian National University.