Policy Advisory Council Appointments

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon, Alexander Downer, has appointed two new members, and re-appointed one member of the ACIAR Policy Advisory Council.

Dr Nguyen Van Bo, the Director General of the Department of Science and Technology at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been appointed to represent Vietnam on the Council. Mr Jim Hallion, Chief Executive of the Department of Primary Industries and Resources, South Australia has also been appointed. Both were appointed for 3 years, from 1 March 2004.

Sir Anthony Siaguru, a Statesman and consultant has been re-appointed to represent Papua New Guinea. His appointment is for two years from 1 March 2004. 

The Policy Advisory Council is established under the ACIAR Act and functions to advise the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the agricultural problems of developing countries and identifying the means of overcoming these problems.

Members of the Council represent both developing countries and also Australian agricultural expertise. The Council's expertise allows it to offer advice on opportunities for collaboration on research between Australian and partner countries and modes of operation to deliver such partnership.

The Council will hold its Annual Meeting in Canberra from March 24-26, during which time they will meet with Minister Downer.