Dr Conall O'Connell is a senior Australian public servant and policymaker. He is currently an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Commissioner.

Education

O'Connell attended Queen's University Belfast, where he studied to attain a Bachelor of Arts (with first class honours) and his doctorate.

Career

Between 1991 and 1997, O'Connell held various positions in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. By 2005, he was a Deputy Secretary in the Department of the Environment and Heritage. While in the Environment Department, he was involved in authoring a report on biofuels. O'Connell was appointed

Secretary A secretary, administrative professional, administrative assistant, executive assistant, administrative officer, administrative support specialist, clerk, military assistant, management assistant, office secretary, or personal assistant is a ...

of the

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry may refer to: * Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Australia) ** Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Queensland) The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is a de ...

(DAFF) in May 2007. O'Connell served in the role until January 2013. During his time as Secretary of DAFF, O'Connell oversaw the inaugural G20 agriculture Ministers’ meeting, the eradication of equine influenza in partnership with the equine industry, and achieved a European wine agreement. He also managed the Australian Government suspension of

live export Live export is the commercial transport of livestock across national borders. The trade involves a number of countries with the Australian live export industry being one of the largest exporters in the global trade. According to the Australi ...

trade with Indonesia in 2011, after '' Four Corners'' aired shocking footage showing mistreatment of Australian animals in Indonesian abattoirs. The ban impacted Australia's relationship with Indonesia, and O'Connell and his department had to work quickly to implement safeguards to enable trade to Indonesia to resume. O'Connell is currently a Commissioner at the

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government statutory agency in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio, reporting to thMinister of Foreign Affairs ACIAR was established under t ...

Awards

O'Connell was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2014 for significant service to public administration and governance, and to Australia's agricultural, forestry and fisheries sectors.

References

Australian public servants Living people Members of the Order of Australia Year of birth missing (living people) {{Australia-gov-bio-stub