Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Appointment 2025

Overview

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Appointment 2025I was enacted in 2025 to formally appoint Ms Victoria Anderson as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for a term of five years, effective from 8 December 2025. This appointment was made by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, in accordance with subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999, and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The underlying objective of this legislation is to ensure a clear and formal appointment process for key public service roles, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of public administration in Australia. The enacting body responsible for this appointment is the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Federal Executive Council, underscoring the importance of this role within the Australian government framework.

Scope and Application

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Appointment 2025I appoints Ms Victoria Anderson as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for a term of five years, starting on 8 December 2025. This appointment is made by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council under subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999. This legislation specifically pertains to the appointment of a senior public service officer within the Commonwealth's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, thereby impacting the administrative operations and policy direction of the department. The scope of this appointment is confined to the Commonwealth jurisdiction and does not extend to state or territory levels. There are no exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds outlined within this particular notifiable instrument; however, the broader application and constraints of the Public Service Act 1999 may apply. This appointment is a direct application of the act without the need for subordinate instruments to extend or restrict its application.

Key Provisions

The Public Service (Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Appointment 2025I details the appointment of Ms Victoria Anderson as the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for a term of five years, effective from 8 December 2025. This appointment (section 1) is made by the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, in accordance with subsection 58(1) of the Public Service Act 1999 and on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The document is dated 27 November 2025 and signed by both the Governor-General and the Prime Minister, signifying the formal endorsement of this high-level administrative role. This appointment imposes specific obligations on Ms Anderson, who is now tasked with managing the operations and policy implementation within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. As the Secretary, she will be responsible for the overall administration of the department, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and overseeing the delivery of government programs and services within her purview (section 2). Additionally, Ms Anderson must adhere to the Public Service Act 1999, which governs the conduct and duties of public service officials, including maintaining integrity, accountability, and efficiency in public administration. Failure to comply with the requirements of her role or the provisions of the Public Service Act 1999 may lead to disciplinary action, which could include dismissal from the public service (section 3). While the specific penalties for breaches are not detailed in the appointment instrument itself, the Public Service Act 1999 generally outlines a range of possible sanctions for misconduct, including fines and imprisonment for more severe breaches. The maximum penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the offence under the relevant provisions of the Act. It is important to note that any disciplinary measures would be determined in accordance with the procedures and penalties set out in the Public Service Act 1999 and any other applicable legislation.