ABCA appoints Ken Matthews as chairman

The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) has appointed former Department of Agriculture secretary Ken Matthews as chairman.

Matthews has had a long career in the Australian public sector, having previously also served as secretary of the Department of Transport.

The regulatory framework for agricultural biotechnology was developed during Matthews’ tenure as secretary of the Department of Agriculture.

Matthews was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia in 2005 and is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Institute of Public Administration Australia and the Australian Institute of Management.

He replaces Claude Gaucharat, who had been serving in the role since ABCA’s formation in late 2012.

ABCA was established by AusBiotech, CropLife Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation and the National Farmers’ Federation. Its goal is to encourage informed public debate on agriculture-based biotechnology by spreading balanced, science-based information.