Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services
Minister for Sport
Former Health Department secretary, Glenys Beauchamp PSM, has been confirmed as chairperson of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).
Ms Beauchamp brings a thorough understanding of the significance of the role of FSANZ to the Australian and New Zealand public and food industry.
She has been acting chair of FSANZ since 1 September 2021.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, who has portfolio responsibility for food regulation, welcomed the appointment saying Ms Beauchamp's significant record of public service means FSANZ is in good hands.
"As a trans-Tasman agency, FSANZ has an important role ensuring the safety and quality of food stuffs available here and in New Zealand, and as such it requires effective and strong leadership," Minister Colbeck said.
"Glenys Beauchamp has an outstanding record of more than 35 years of public service, including leading the Australian Government Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, and more recently as Secretary of the Department of Health.
"Ms Beauchamp's diverse experience across organisations, both government and non-government sectors, along with her extensive board experience will be a valuable addition to the FSANZ Board."
FSANZ is an independent statutory authority that develops food standards for Australia and New Zealand, under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
The code regulates the use of ingredients, additives, colours, processing aids, vitamins and minerals, including labelling requirements for packaged and unpackaged food, and mandating of some warning or advisory labels which appear on some food products.
"I would like to thank Steve McCutcheon for his service as acting chair prior to Ms Beauchamp's appointment" he said.
"As a former chief executive officer of FSANZ, Mr McCutcheon has helped ensure Australians and New Zealanders have maintained confidence in their food products and food supply, particularly during the pandemic."
