A former head of the Federal Department of Agriculture has been appointed to replace the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s chair Sir Angus Houston.
Daryl Quinlivan will take over following the retirement of Sir Angus.
Mr Quinlivan has extensive experience in public service governance and water resource management, including as a former member of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Secretary of the former Department of Agriculture and NSW Agriculture Commissioner.
His four-year term starts on December 23.
He is a former member of the Sheep Producers of Australia policy council.
When he was appointed to run the Department of Agriculture, the department had appropriations of $1.2 billion, cost $716.6 million to operate, and had 4179 department staff.
Inaugural First Nations member Rene Woods has been appointed for another four years. Allison Mudford will join the board, replacing Susan Madden who has served for the maximum eight-year term.
Mr Quinlivan’s appointment was welcomed by Shadow Water Minister Perin Davey.
“His deep understanding of water resource management, public administration, and the challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin will be critical in guiding the next phase of the basin plan’s implementation,” Senator Davey said.
Senator Davey highlighted Mr Quinlivan’s past contributions to water governance and agriculture, noting his time with the former Murray-Darling Basin Commission and as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.
National Farmers’ Federation Water Committee chair Malcolm Holm thanked Sir Angus and welcomed Mr Quinlivan.
“Sir Angus has served with exceptional dedication, navigating complex and often contentious issues affecting the basin’s communities and environment,” Mr Holm said.
“His ability to listen, engage and lead with respect has been instrumental in fostering trust and progress with farmers and basin communities.”
Mr Holm said Mr Quinlivan’s “deep understanding of water policy and governance will be critical as the MDBA tackles increasingly complex challenges in implementing a reviewed basin plan”.
“We look forward to his steady leadership and independent advice to Government during this pivotal time for water reform.”
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