Andrew Metcalfe AO, a former senior Australian public servant and policymaker, has been nominated as Chair Elect of the Gardiner Foundation. He will join the Board as a Director at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in October 2024 and will formally assume the Chair position at the 2025 AGM.
“The Victorian dairy industry has a bright future, and the Gardiner Foundation has a very positive role to play in assisting that.” Mr Metcalfe said.
“I believe my background, experience and enthusiasm will contribute to the Foundation’s success and the advancement of the Victorian dairy industry. I look forward to working closely with the Board, CEO, staff, partners and the broader industry to further the Foundation’s work.”
Current Gardiner Chair, Dr Len Stephens, will retire in October 2025 after five years as Chair and six years as an Independent Director.
“I am pleased to welcome Mr Metcalfe as Chair Elect. His extensive experience in public administration, policy, corporate governance and leadership across the agricultural and finance sectors will be invaluable to the Foundation,” said Dr Stephens.
Under Gardiner’s Constitution, the Chair is appointed by its members, which include a farmer representative (United Dairy Farmers of Victoria), a manufacturer representative (Australian Dairy Industry Council), and a processor representative (Australian Dairy Products Federation). The Chair is elected as an Independent Director through unanimous resolution of the members after consultation with the Board.
In 2023, Mr Metcalfe retired as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Following his retirement, he was elected National President of the Institute of Public Administration Australia.
Mr Metcalfe also led EY’s (Ernst & Young) Australian agricultural consultancy practice from 2014 to 2019, conducting numerous reviews, including one on the future of agricultural innovation in Australia. As Commonwealth Departmental Secretary for Agriculture, he oversaw a team of over 5,000 staff and a budget exceeding $1 billion, working to advance all aspects of Australian agriculture.
Growing up in regional Queensland, Mr Metcalfe developed a deep interest in rural affairs and primary industries. His time spent on his uncles’ dairy farms in the Darling Downs gave him first-hand experience of the dairy sector’s challenges. With family ties to sheep farming, he appreciates the critical role regional communities and industries play in Australia’s prosperity.