Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry

The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Adam Fennessy PSM will complete his term on Friday, 26 September 2025, subject to the approval of the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. I would like to thank Mr Fennessy for his service to the Government as Secretary of DAFF. Mr Fennessy came into DAFF at a transitional time and has worked hard to stabilise the department.

This includes improving DAFF’s finances, continuing to strengthen our world-class biosecurity system and expanding trade opportunities for Australia’s farmers and producers. Mr Fennessy will take leave from Friday, 19 September. Ms Justine Saunders APM will act as Secretary of the department until a replacement for Mr Fennessy is appointed.

I wish Mr Fennessy all the best with his future endeavours. We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country.

We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.