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Department of Agriculture

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Sidebar first - About

  • Who we are
    • Our portfolio
      • Register your interest for portfolio boards
    • Organisational structure

Our portfolio

We represent national interests across agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

We are a large and diverse portfolio. This includes agencies, statutory and non-statutory bodies, independent advisors and industry representatives.

Our minister

The Hon Julie Collins MP is Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm is Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Find out more about our ministers.

Our department

Our role and functions are diverse. Find out more about what we do.

Agencies and statutory bodies

Each operates under their own legislation.

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)

AFMA ensures that Commonwealth fisheries are well managed.

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)

The APVMA reviews and registers pesticides and veterinary medicines. They regulate these products up to the point of retail sale.

Forest and Wood Products Council (FWPC)

The FWPC operates as the Forest Industry Advisory Council. They advise the minister on forestry issues.

Regional Investment Corporation (RIC)

RIC administers loans for farm businesses and small businesses.

Statutory office holders

Each office holder is independent. They have duties and functions assigned under relevant laws. These are outlined on their websites.

Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB)

The IGB provides assurance over Australia’s biosecurity risk management systems through independent evaluation and verification of our biosecurity system.

Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports (IGAWLAE)

The IGAWLAE reviews the performance of functions and exercise of powers by us in regulating livestock exports under the:

  • Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997
  • Export Control Act 2020

Rural research and development

Rural research and development corporations allow the Australian government and primary producers to co-invest in research and development (R&D). This benefits industry and regional communities.

There are 15 RDCs in total:

  • 5 Commonwealth statutory bodies
  • 10 industry-owned companies

Non-statutory bodies

These bodies:

  • facilitate the development of national responses to agriculture, fisheries and forestry issues
  • help to inform policy, programs and activities
  • advise the minister on certain issues

Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting (AMM)

AMM consists of Australian and state and territory agriculture ministers. They work collaboratively on national issues relating to the agriculture sector, including fisheries and forestry. Read the AMM communiques.

Industry consultative committees

These committees discuss agriculture industry issues. They focus on our regulatory and service delivery functions.

Other companies

We provide funding to not-for-profit companies. This includes:

  • Animal Health Australia (AHA)
  • Plant Health Australia (PHA)

The Australian Government is a shareholder in AHA and PHA.

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry boards

Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Portfolio Boards at 2 October 2023

  • AgriFutures Australia (Rural Industries RDC)
  • AgriFutures Australia (Rural Industries RDC) Selection Committee
  • Australian Fisheries Management Authority Commission – AFMA ensures that Commonwealth fisheries are well managed
  • Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority Board – APVMA reviews and registers pesticides and veterinary medicines and regulates them up to the point of retail sale.
  • Cotton Research and Development Corporation
  • Cotton Research and Development Corporation Selection Committee
  • Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs Advisory Committee
  • Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
  • Forest and Wood Products Council – FWPC operates as the Strategic Forest and Renewable Materials Partnership. It advises the minister on forestry matters to inform government policy making.
  • Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee
  • Grains Research and Development Corporation
  • Grains Research and Development Corporation Selection Committee
  • Live Sheep Exports by Sea Phaseout Panel
  • National Fishing Advisory Council
  • Regional Investment Corporation Board – RIC administers loans for farm businesses and small businesses.
  • Wine Australia Board
  • Wine Australia Selection Committee

Governance roles

For available board positions, see:

  • Australian Government Directory for board positions
  • Boardlinks for opportunities specific to women

Agriculture portfolio skills database

We also keep a register for board, council, committee and task force memberships. Our boards play a vital role in ensuring Australia’s rural industries.

Find out more about registering your interest.

Read more

  • See our full portfolio (Government directory)
  • We report on vacant and filled agency appointments
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Page last updated: 13 May 2025

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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