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Dairy Food Safety Victoria - Response to Statement of Expectations

6 December 2011

The Hon Peter Walsh, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
GPO Box 4440
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Dear Minister,

STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS FOR dairy food safety victoria

Thank you for the letter dated 12 September 2011, setting out your Statement of Expectations for Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV).

I have discussed the Statement with my Directors who consider that the Statement provides us with a clear understanding of your expectations of DFSV now and into the future. The Statement goes beyond the explicit requirements of the Dairy Act 2000 and more accurately reflects both the expectations of Government and the current reality of DFSV’s broader remit. As the Chair of an independent Statutory Authority I welcome the intent, clarity and spirit of your letter to me.

Government policy and objectives

You request that DFSV pursues an outcome based approach to the national food regulatory systems. I can assure you that whilst our system is risk based we endeavour to be as flexible as possible and ensure that our focus is always on the outcome. This requires us to demonstrate nationally and internationally that risks are being effectively managed. I will continue to ensure that DFSV applies the minimum level of regulatory burden necessary to achieve the intended outcome.

Extending our remit to cover promoting economic growth is clearly consistent with Government Policy and expectations. To this end, my Board has supported, and will continue to actively support, opportunities for export development with our licensees through our partnerships with AQIS and industry. DFSV is also supportive of training and development for all industry participants and works with Dairy Australia in facilitating suitable training opportunities.

DFSV fully supports the development of National Standards for food safety. Compliance with the requirements of the Food Standards Code is a condition of DFSV licence. The Chief Executive is actively involved in the National Food Regulatory Framework responsible for development of these Standards and their implementation.

Stakeholder relationships and engagement

DFSV works constructively and productively with your Department and the Department of Health, and understands the importance of maintaining and enhancing these relationships. Our relationship with industry is critical to the way in which we operate. From the farm right through the dairy food safety chain, all stakeholders have the opportunity to be heard in our business. This relationship is promoted and underpinned by the expertise of my Board.

The Board was particularly pleased to see your comments regarding the mutual obligation for timely exchange of information. I will continue to ensure that the responsible Minister is made aware, in advance, of any relevant issue that may arise. The reciprocal arrangement you propose, where you will equally keep us informed, is welcomed and appreciated.

Transparency and accountability

DFSV provides services to industry in addition to the core licensing regulatory function. These range from technical and scientific advice and studies, through to national coordination of systems that add value to export market access. To aid transparency, DFSV provides industry with many opportunities to comment on, and help shape, these services. In addition every year, as part of our formal planning process, DFSV meets with industry to seek input into our annual and four year forecasting.

Transparency and accountability underpin good governance and productive relationships. The creation of the DPI Forum of Primary Industry Regulators has provided DFSV with the opportunity to share information and new developments with other leaders from regulatory business. The Forum has provided a positive arena through which DFSV can exchange ideas with other strategic leaders.

The Statement of Expectations will be incorporated into our ongoing planning processes as you request and reporting of performance will be included in our forthcoming and all future Annual Reports. I will include both your Statement and our response on our website in the same way that the information will be available on the Department of Primary Industry’s website.

The Board of DFSV looks forward to continuing to work with the Government and yourself as Minister for Agriculture and Food Security as we continue to deliver on your expectations.

Yours sincerely

Shirley Harlock
Chairperson