After 18 years leading the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Dr Brian Fisher today leaves the organisation.
Dr Fisher commenced as Executive Director of ABARE in November 1988.
Since publication of his first journal article - 'A quarterly model of agricultural investment in Australia' in 1974, Dr Fisher's career has investigated all aspects of domestic agriculture and expanded to focus on climate change, culminating with roles with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the negotiations under the auspices of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Through his leadership, ABARE's focus has expanded from economic research and analysis on the agricultural and resource sectors, to encompass emerging and critical issues across a range of fields including climate change, native vegetation management, water resource management and biosecurity, while maintaining a strong focus on commodity analysis and Australia's rural sector.
'The role in Australia's economy of the agriculture and minerals and energy industries remains critically important,' Dr Fisher said.
'Our focus must continue to be on ensuring that these industries remain internationally competitive. Continuing economic reform and unshackling these industries from regulation is crucial to Australia's continuing strong growth and development,' he said.
Karen Schneider, who will assume the role of acting Executive Director, marked the retirement of Dr Fisher.
'Over the past 18 years Brian has positioned ABARE at the forefront of public policy debate across a range of issues relating to agriculture and natural resources. We thank him for his leadership and for the enormous dedication and effort he has brought to the role of Executive Director,' Ms Schneider said.
The recruitment process for the position of Executive Director has commenced.
