AVA congratulates Dr Catherine Ainsworth on APVMA Board Chair appointment

^{Image: Dr Catherine Ainsworth, supplied.}

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) congratulates Dr Catherine Ainsworth on her appointment as the new Chair of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Board. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, announced Dr Ainsworth's appointment, which will commence on 12 July 2024 for a four-year term.

Dr Ainsworth is the AVA representative on the NATA Animal Health Committee and is a member of the AVA’s Veterinary Behaviour, Animal Welfare and Ethics, and Equine Special Interest Groups.

Minister Watt also announced the appointment of Mr Scott Hansen as the new APVMA Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term.

Minister Watt said the new appointments were a sign of positive reform with the APVMA. He emphasised the importance of having a strong, well-functioning and orderly regulatory body to ensure that Australian farmers, consumers, and overseas customers can trust the nation's chemical regulation standards.

“Dr Ainsworth has significant experience in corporate governance, risk management, regulatory matters, financial management, agriculture, and public health,” Minister Watt said.

“She has extensive experience in administration and board roles, including her positions as Director of Racing Analytical Services, Director and Deputy Chair of Harness Racing Victoria, and the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria.

“I want to congratulate both Dr Ainsworth and Mr Hansen, and I’m looking forward to watching them continue to build a healthy culture of excellence within the APVMA,” Minister Watt said.

Dr Ainsworth's appointment marks a significant milestone in her distinguished career, which spans veterinary science and corporate governance. She expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and the importance of APVMA’s services to the veterinary sector.

“The services that APVMA provides to the veterinary sector are critical. I am proud to bring the veterinary voice to the highest level of the organisation and look forward to supporting the programs to ensure that veterinary medicines are safe, effective, and appropriate for use for Australian livestock and companion animals, and brought to market efficiently,” Dr Ainsworth stated.

Dr Ainsworth’s career highlights include postgraduate research in equine reproduction at the University of Melbourne and extensive work in equine practice. She obtained an MBA from the University of Melbourne and has worked in veterinary pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, and corporate strategy consulting. Her role as the head of veterinary diagnostics and animal health research for the Victorian government spanned a decade, and she led animal and plant health, biotechnology research and stakeholder engagement strategy for Agriculture Victoria for 5 years.

Dr Ainsworth has previously served on several notable boards, including the Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Bendigo Bank, Australian Horse Industry Council, and Pony Club Australia. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Victorian Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and the Victorian Biosecurity Reference Group.

The AVA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Ainsworth on her new role. Her appointment as the Chair of the APVMA Board underscores the value of veterinary expertise in regulatory and governance roles, ensuring that veterinary medicines are regulated effectively to protect the health and safety of animals and the environment.

About the APVMA

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) is the Australian Government regulator of agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical products, established in 1993 to centralise the registration of all agvet chemical products into the Australian marketplace.

The APVMA regulate agricultural and veterinary chemicals to manage the risks of pests and diseases for the Australian community and to protect Australia’s trade and the health and safety of people, animals, and the environment.