Dr Katherine Clift.

VICTORIAN biosecurity executive Dr Katherine Clift has been appointed Australia’s new Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports for the next five years.

Dr Clift started in the new position to audit and review functions focused on the systems and processes that underpin the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s regulation of animal welfare and livestock exports.

Her LinkedIn profiles says she has been the executive director of Biosecurity Victoria in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action for the past four years and eight months.

A media release from the office of Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said Dr Clift has a background in primary industries and experience leading regulatory systems, including animal welfare, agricultural and veterinary chemical use, food safety, and biosecurity.

The release said the Albanese Labor Government made a commitment to strengthen animal welfare assurance and increase accountability and transparency in livestock exports at the last election.  The previous office of the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports was expanded in December 2023 through amended legislation to include defined animal welfare-related objectives and expertise.

Ms Collins said Dr Clift will bring independence and impartiality to the expanded Inspector-General role, which is designed to improve confidence for farmers, industry and the community in the regulation of animal welfare and livestock exports.

“As well as her extensive regulatory and veterinary background, Dr Clift boasts a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and a comprehensive understanding of animal welfare and livestock exports regulation.

“Her qualifications in veterinary science, veterinary public health management and government administration afford her an understanding of the role, at the micro and macro levels, and I congratulate her on her appointment,” Ms Collins said.

“I would like to thank the Acting Inspector-General, Dr Mike Bond, for his valuable contribution to live export regulation and animal welfare over the past year.”