Who we are

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• Who we are
• NSW Food Authority structure
• Our management and structure

Who we are

The NSW Food Authority is a State Government agency established in April 2004 to provide New South Wales with the best food regulation system in Australia. The Food Authority was formed by merging SafeFood NSW with the food regulatory activities of NSW Health. As Australia’s first completely integrated or “through-chain” food regulation agency, the NSW Food Authority is responsible for food safety across the entire food industry, from primary production to point-of-sale.

Before the Authority was established, responsibility for food regulation in NSW was divided across a number of State agencies. The establishment of the NSW Food Authority will create a more streamlined, consistent and efficient approach to food regulation in NSW and a single point of contact for both the industry and public. The Authority will work with local government to better define and support their continuing role in food regulation.

The Authority also controls Milk Marketing (NSW) Pty Limited and Pacific Industry Services Corporation Pty Limited.

NSW Food Authority structure

 

Our management and structure

Alan Coutts, Chief Executive Officer

Alan was appointed to lead the NSW Food Authority in November 2008. As leader of the Authority, Alan reports directly to the NSW Minister for Primary Industries on all of the Authority's activities, which are directed at ensuring food in NSW is safe and suitable.

Prior to joining the Authority Alan was Deputy Director-General in the NSW Department of Primary Industries. He was responsible for the Department's Mineral Resources Division which is the principle regulatory agency for the mining industry in NSW and had executive responsibility for Primex, the Department’s export advisory arm. Alan was also Chief Executive of the Rural Assistance Authority.

Alan began his career in the public service in the NSW Premiers Department. He has held senior positions as Deputy Secretary of the NSW Ministry for the Arts, Director-General of the NSW Department of Transport and Director-General of the NSW Department of Mineral Resources.

Alan has also served on a number of boards and committees. He is a former Chair of the Mine Subsidence Board and represented NSW on the National Low Emissions Clean Coal Council and CO2CRC. He has also served on the Boards of the State Rail Authority, State Transit Authority, Coal Compensation Board and Rural Assistance Authority.

Alan holds a Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics) and Graduate Diploma of Education, both from the University of NSW.

Craig Sahlin, Deputy Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Science and Policy

Craig leads the Science and Policy Branch, which is responsible for advising on strategic direction, undertaking risk assessment, policy and program development and evaluation, and coordinating changes to legislation, including the food safety scheme regulations.

The Branch also administers the Authority’s Shellfish Program and provides scientific and technical advice to the other Branches. As Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Craig supports the Chief Executive Officer in the day-to-day management of the Authority and relieves him during absences and periods of leave.

Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Macquarie University and an LLB from the University of NSW.

Peter Day, Executive Director Compliance and Enforcement

Peter leads the Compliance, Investigation and Enforcement Branch. The Branch consists of three units being the Compliance & Inspection Unit as well as specialist Enforcement and Food Borne Illness Investigation Units. An important role of this Branch is to ensure the safety and integrity of the NSW food supply by monitoring NSW food industry compliance with regulatory requirements.

This includes enforcement of the Food Act 2003, Food Standards Code and the Food Regulation 2004, including labelling and advertising compliance; inspecting premises, vehicles and equipment used for the handling of food; auditing and verifying statutory food safety programs; and investigating consumer and food industry complaints.

A critical element of this role is the Branch's capacity for quick response in the event of a system breakdown. Two key areas of work are investigating foodborne infections and intoxications, in cooperation with NSW Health; and conducting, monitoring and supervising food recalls, in cooperation with FSANZ.

Peter holds an Assoc. Diploma in Food Technology from the Chisholm Institute and an Assoc. Diploma in Applied Science (Stock and Meat Inspection) from the Queensland Agricultural College.

Lisa Szabo, Chief Scientist

Lisa joined the Authority in January 2006 providing leadership of the scientific aspects of the Authority’s business and keeping the Authority up to date with national and international developments in food safety. She is a member of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Inc., the Australian Society for Microbiology Inc. and of the Institute of Food Technologists (USA).

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology) from the University of Queensland. Lisa is a member of: The Ministerial Advisory Council for Primary Industries Sciences NSW; and the National Association of Testing Authorities’ Biological Accreditation Advisory Committee.

Peter Sutherland, Director, Industry Liaison & Business Planning

Peter is responsible for the Authority’s industry liaison function, building the local government partnership arrangements and business planning. Peter holds a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology/Immunology from University of NSW. Mr Sutherland is acknowledged as an expert on the microorganism Listeria monocytogenes.

He represents the Australian dairy industry at the International Dairy Federation, and has written chapters for textbooks, including the “Green Book” (Foodborne Microorganisms of Public Health Significance) on Listeria and Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis and presented papers both nationally and internationally.He has represented Australia in international delegations to the United States, Europe and recently China.

Peter has been active in various professional and industry associations. He is a past Chair of the AIFST NSW Food Microbiology Group, Past President of the Dairy Industry Association of Australia (NSW Division), a member of Standards Australia Food Standards group, a NATA laboratory assessor, food safety standards development committees, International Dairy Federation representative and member of the International Association for Food Protection.

Sian Malyn, Director Finance and Licensing

Sian is responsible for the Authority's financial planning, operational and reporting activities, including those of its controlled and subsidiary entities. She is also responsible for issuing licences to primary production businesses in NSW and providing fleet and asset management services to the Authority.

Sian holds a Bachelor of Business in Accounting from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Samara Kitchener, Director Consumer Programs & Communications

Samara is responsible for the Authority’s public affairs, community and industry communication functions. Samara was awarded the 2005 Public Relations Institute Golden Target Award for the Authority’s Mercury in Fish campaign. Samara has travelled to Geneva as an advisor to the World Health Organisation to help develop guidelines on risk communication as a tool for managing mercury in fish. Samara has also held workshops in China on risk communication and food issues.

Samara holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology (Honours) from University of NSW, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Science (Dairy Technology) from University of Melbourne and a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) from the Australian Graduate School of Management.