Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports

Dr Katherine Clift was appointed as the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports for 5 years commencing on 30 September 2024.

She was appointed by the Minister for Agriculture under section 13 of the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports Act 2019.

Dr Clift has a lifelong background in primary industries, growing up on a farm in South Australia before commencing her career as a rural veterinarian. Since then, Katherine has amassed over 20 years’ experience in biosecurity, food safety, emergency management, animal welfare, regulatory programs and the agriculture sector.

She has experience working in primary industry departments in South Australia, Western Australia and more recently Victoria, where she was the Executive Director Biosecurity Victoria. In this role she was responsible for biosecurity and animal welfare. Dr Clift significantly contributed to state and national forums and worked closely with industry and communities to deliver outcomes, including successfully leading Victoria’s responses to a number of high-profile biosecurity emergencies.

Dr Clift also brings global experience and understanding of animal health, welfare and international trade, with a significant period of time working in New Zealand including as part of the New Zealand delegation to the World Organisation for Animal Health and liaising with the European Union as New Zealand’s Counsellor based in Brussels.

During her time in Western Australia at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, she was responsible for the successful passing of amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2002. These amendments enable the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for livestock to be introduced into regulation in Western Australia.

As Executive Director Biosecurity Victoria, Dr Clift led a significant uplift in regulatory performance through assessment of regulatory capability, development of the Agriculture Victoria Regulatory Approach and Framework and delivery of operational efficiencies.

Qualifications

• Murdoch University – Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
• University of Sydney – Masters in Veterinary Public Health Management
• Member of the Epidemiology Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists
• Executive Fellow Program – Australian and New Zealand School of Government
• Australian Institute of Company Directors Graduate