Mr Neville is a former Deputy Director-General of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and was actively involved in introducing reforms into fisheries management in Queensland.

Since retiring from the public sector, Mr Neville has been operating his own business consulting in fisheries management, business analysis, environmental and strategic planning.

Mr Neville is Chairman of the Southern Bluefin Tuna Management Advisory Committee and Chairman of the Queensland Biosecurity Advisory Council. He is also a director of Ocean Watch Australia, a private company dealing with fisheries related environmental matters.

Senator Abetz said that Mr Neville’s extensive knowledge of the Australian fishing industry would ensure that the FRDC continues to target high-priority Research and Development.

“The FRDC’s aim is for Australian fisheries to be sustainable and profitable. It plays a critical role, in partnership with the fishing industry, to make sure R&D outcomes are widely circulated and adopted.

“Seafood is one of Australia’s most valuable food-based primary industries and more than 3 million Australians regularly fish for recreation. In addition, fishing is culturally and economically important to Indigenous communities.

 “Under Mr Neville’s leadership, the FRDC will continue to invest in R&D activities to benefit each of these elements of the Australian fishing industry.”

Senator Abetz thanked Denis Byrne, the retiring Chairman, who has served since 2002. Under his strong leadership, the FRDC contributed to continuous improvement within Australia’s fishing and aquaculture industries, particularly through important research regarding the sustainability of Australian fisheries.