Dr Chris Rodwell will be the Transition Advocate for the Albanese Labor Government's phase out of live sheep exports by sea.
Dr Rodwell's long and distinguished career has specialised in agricultural exports, animal welfare, disease preparedness and biosecurity.
He has most recently been engaged by the CSIRO, working at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness and has held senior roles in the Western Australian, Commonwealth and New Zealand governments. He is based in Western Australia.
The Australian Parliament has passed laws to end live sheep exports by sea by 1 May 2028.
The Government has announced a $139.7 million transition assistance package to assist individuals, communities and businesses as they transition towards 2028.
Funded as part of the transition package, the Transition Advocate will facilitate two-way communication between industry and government, provide information to industry about the transition plan and assistance, and provide advice to government on how the transition is progressing.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"The Government has delivered on its commitment to phase out the export of live sheep by sea.
"Dr Chris Rodwell's role will be important in achieving a successful transition to the end of the trade.
"Dr Rodwell will play a critical role linking stakeholders, producers and the supply chain to government.
"We are investing in the transition of the Australian sheep supply chain, growing the sheep meat industry, maintaining Australia's commitment to animal welfare and increasing national and export trade markets.
"I thank all the applicants who expressed their interest in the role."
