Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Stephen Smith announces new ACIAR CEO

ACIAR CEO, Dr Nick Austin

Appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Nick Austin as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

Dr Austin will commence his five-year term as Chief Executive Officer on 31 July 2009.

Dr Austin has held a range of senior positions in both the NSW and Victorian public service in the agricultural area. Educated at the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, Dr Austin holds a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Sustainable Management and a Bachelor of Engineering (Agriculture) degree with Honours.

ACIAR, part of Australia’s international development cooperation program, is Australia’s premier international agricultural research body.

It commissions agricultural research between Australian and developing-country researchers in areas where Australia has especial research competence.

Dr Austin’s background in agricultural and natural resource research and policy and his significant experience in scientific program management complements ACIAR’s international development program.

Dr Austin will take up his appointment as agriculture in developing countries faces the global challenges of climate change, food security and an international economic downturn. ACIAR is well-placed to play a key role in helping partner countries achieve sustainable, resilient and productive farming systems to respond to these challenges.

Dr Austin succeeds Mr Peter Core, who retires after 36 years in the Australian Public Service and seven years as CEO of ACIAR.

I thank Mr Core for his long and distinguished service. He led ACIAR through a period of building research partnerships, delivering a high rate of return on investment and building capacity in developing partner countries.

Mr Core also presided over ACIAR at a time when the Uhrig corporate governance review was implemented, and a greater emphasis was placed on impact assessments.

Stephen Smith MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs

Media contacts

Mr Smith’s Office: Courtney Hoogen 02 6277 7500
ACIAR: Ms Lisa Wright 02 6217 0535

Link to media release on Foreign Minister's website

http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2009/fa-s090721a.html