DAFF - New Inspector-General of Biosecurity Appointed

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) welcome the appointment of Dr Melissa McEwen as Australia's next Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB), commencing 25 October 2025.

The IGB is an independent statutory office, operating separately from both the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Minister for Agriculture's office.

The IGB's role is to provide assurance and oversight of Australia's biosecurity system by independently reviewing the performance of biosecurity officials and the system's preventative risk management within DAFF.

FTA and APSA place strong value on close engagement with the IGB and look forward to working collaboratively with Dr McEwen in supporting effective and practical biosecurity outcomes for industry and government alike.

We also extend our sincere thanks to outgoing IGB Dr Lloyd Klump for his professionalism, accessibility and balanced approach throughout his term — qualities that have greatly assisted industry engagement.  Thanks Lloyd!

Read the formal announcement HERE