On 11 September 2025, Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas announced Safe Food Victoria as a new regulator responsible for food safety regulation in Victoria.
Safe Food Victoria will be a new independent statutory authority responsible for protecting public health and ensuring confidence in the food supply. Safe Food Victoria brings together the regulatory responsibilities of current regulators – PrimeSafe, Dairy Food Safety Victoria, and food safety functions in the Department of Health and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). It will also have an important role in coordinating and supporting the food safety regulatory functions performed by local government.
Subject to the passage of legislation, the authority is expected to commence operations in mid-2026. The board will consist of between 5 and 7 members.
Safe Food Victoria will play a vital role in upholding Australia's food safety standards which strengthens the world-class reputation our meat, seafood, dairy and other food industries. Victoria's regulatory system is focused on protecting public health and maintaining consumer confidence in the food produced in Victoria.
The board will be responsible for the overall governance, management and strategic direction of Safe Food Victoria.
In performing its role, the board will:
In performing its functions, the board will work as a team and meet on a regular basis.
We are seeking board candidates to lead the strategic direction of Safe Food Victoria.
People with demonstrated governance experience and knowledge of the food industry and food safety are encouraged to apply. Applications are also sought from those experienced in public health, legal, finance and other relevant areas.
The desired areas or fields of skills, experience or knowledge are as follows:
The Board will be required to work closely with legislated consultative committees to inform board decision making. This may include bodies representing primary production industries (such as dairy, or meat), manufacturers and hospitality industries, public health and local council.
Candidates will ideally have board experience and knowledge in best practice regulation, corporate governance and risk management. Qualifications such as completion of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course or the Corporate Governance Institute course would be advantageous.
Applicants are required to register an account on the Join a Public Board website (www.boards.vic.gov.au) prior to applying online.
Applicants should complete and provide:
You do not have to disclose any personal information if you do not want to, but it can help us understand how we can support you through the recruitment process and beyond.
We invite you to tell us if you identify as Aboriginal, a person with disability, from a culturally or linguistically diverse background, LGBTIQ+ or a young person, aged 25 years old or less.
If you identify as any of the above, we welcome the opportunity to contact you and discuss how we can support you through the recruitment process.
Sharing this information will help you access support should you need it and will also help us to better understand the impact of our work.
If you would like help understanding this document or would like to receive it in another format phone Mitchell Houten on 0404 713 618, using the National Relay Service 133 677 if required, or email at [email protected]
Expressions of interest close midnight 23 November 2025.