2025-2030 AHA Strategy Planning
Thanks to our members for the valuable insights provided at the September Members’ Forum to assist us in drafting the 2025-2030 Animal Health Australia (AHA) Strategic Plan. Planning continues with workshops in November to review members’ feedback and engage with the Board and AHA staff. Further engagement with members will be sought early in the new year. We look forward to working with our members in developing a strategic plan that is fit for purpose to meet the opportunities and challenges in the animal health and biosecurity landscape.
Annual General Meeting
The 29th Annual General Meeting was held virtually on 13 November 2024. Resolutions including the appointment of new directors, review of the Constitution and director remuneration were all passed, with the below offering a summary of key results.
AHA Constitution: Changes to the Constitution to make it more contemporary were agreed. A copy of the updated AHA’s Constitution can be found here.
New Directors: Two new Board Directors were welcomed – Roseanne Healy and Edward (Ed) Storey, and Malcolm Letts was re-appointed for another four-year term. I’d also like to thank our outgoing Directors Michelle Gorman and Dr Len Stephens, for their substantial commitment and contributions to the biosecurity system. You can view the full media statement about these appointments here.
3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium
Closing out the 3rd Australian Biosecurity Symposium, we’re proud to now share in partnership with the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries a short video highlighting the inaugural Biosecurity Youth Summit. We also now have available the full Symposium proceedings, where you can see the breadth of presentations from across the two days.
Malcolm Letts appointed as new Chair
After five years in the role, Sharon Starick has stepped down as AHA Chair at the AHA Board meeting on 27 November, with Malcolm Letts appointed.
Malcolm Letts joined the AHA Board in 2020 and brings with him many years’ experience in senior executive government roles, with extensive knowledge across biosecurity prevention, preparedness and response measures, policy development and governance.
On behalf of the Board and the entire AHA team, I would like to thank Sharon for her exemplary leadership of AHA over the past five years, where her calm and inclusive approach has seen strengthened relations with both our members and key stakeholders. You can read the media release here.