In this acting role I have been the key scientific advisor for Safe Food. I have led Safe Food’s Science Team, working to ensure that all activities of the agency are evidence-based. I work to strengthened Safe Food’s scientific contribution to, and influence over, food safety practices in the primary production sector. I also provide scientific leadership and advise management on scientific aspects of Safe Food’s policy and legislative development and operational requirements.

Safe Food Production Queensland (SFPQ) is a statutory body that regulates the primary production and processing of food in Queensland. The agency utilities expertise of staff in the areas of veterinary public health, food technology, microbiology, environmental science and government policy to ensure national food safety standards are upheld. SFPQ operates in a regulatory framework that requires coordination and knowledge sharing with other government agencies, including Queensland Health, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand.In this role I utilise my knowledge of biological systems in order to:1) Assist in the evaluation of emerging risks in the primary production and processing of food and provide advice on the potential impact of these risks.2) Investigate food borne illness outbreaks using knowledge of traceability systems, epidemiology, and food production and processing practices.3) Conduct audits, monitoring and surveillance activities in relation to the primary production and processing of food to ensure compliance with food safety standards and legislation.4) Provide advice to clients and stakeholders about the implementation of food safety controls.

http://www.spatialepilab.com/people.htmlhttps://public-health.uq.edu.au/research/id-nethttps://veterinary-science.uq.edu.au/queensland-alliance-one-health-sciences

Regions & Industry Development

Biosecurity Queensland

Operating from within The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, I was provided with a unique opportunity to develop and build on my skills by working on a range of projects and attending professional training courses. The program helped me to form relationships and networks with other staff and graduates. I was provided with job rotation opportunities within my business group for work experience and professional development.The graduate program provided a structured 12-month course with training blocks run throughout the year. These blocks aimed to further professional development by providing training in the areas of project management and planning, stakeholder engagement, leadership, team building, written communication, presentation and facilitation, negotiation and conflict management, public sector employment, working in a multi-generational workforce, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander awareness.

Animal Industries

Reporting to Director of Animal Health and Production at School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

Reporting to PhD candidate.