Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, today announced the appointment of Dr Cliff Samson as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission review of Rural Research and Development Corporations.
Dr Samson will assist the Commission in its inquiry looking at the way Rural Research and Development Corporations are funded and managed.
The inquiry will look at potential overlaps and inefficiencies to ensure Australia's investment in rural research and development delivers maximum benefits for primary producers.
Dr Samson is recognised for his long-standing contribution to public policy in Australia's rural sector and primary industries and food sectors.
He was previously Executive Director of the Bureau of Rural Sciences, a member of the National Rural Advisory Council, Director of the Grains Research and Development Corporation, and Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Senator Sherry and Mr Burke said Dr Samson will provide independent and transparent research and advice to the Commission on the Rural Research and Development Corporations.
The Commission will hold public hearings and release a draft report for public comment, before delivering a final report to the Government in February 2011.
More information is available at www.pc.gov.au.