The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of independent Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

About the Department: The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) has a broad remit including agriculture, fisheries and forestry policy; agricultural trade and regulation; and biosecurity operations and compliance. Our mission is to enhance Australia's agricultural productivity, sustainability, and biosecurity.

About the Audit and Risk Committee: The Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) operates in accordance with the ARC Charter and provides independent advice on the appropriateness of the department’s financial statements, performance statements, performance reporting, system of risk oversight and management, and system of internal controls. The ARC comprises three independent members plus the Chair. Committee members are external to the department and bring a range of private and public sector experience and skills. The ARC is supported by specialised subcommittees for financial statements, performance statements and the internal audit program. In the previous financial year, the committee met 9 times, including out-of-session committee meetings. In addition, members attended the specialised subcommittee meetings to further consider relevant matters.

Role Overview: We are seeking a skilled professional to lead our ARC. As the Chair, you will lead the ARC and its three subcommittees, attend at least 6 ARC meetings per year. You may also be required to attend subcommittee meetings as needed. We seek someone with a broad range of experience, which may include risk management, finance, regulation, project management or policy, who has strong leadership skills, and excellent analytical abilities. You will provide independent and robust advice to the Secretary and the senior executive on the department’s financial reporting, performance management, risk management, and internal control frameworks.

Further information: a Candidate Information Pack, and instructions on how to apply, can be obtained by emailing admin@amandaorourke.com.au quoting Ref. No. 1158 in the subject line.

Applications close on Sunday 30 March 2025