EPA Victoria has appointed the eminent scientist, Dr John Stocker AO as Chair
of its Science and Engineering Advisory Committee.
The new body will support and advise EPA’s Chairman Cheryl Batagol in
overseeing the quality, relevance and direction of EPA’s science and
engineering capability.
Mrs Batagol welcomed Dr Stocker, saying he joined a group of skilful and
motivated people, who would value his guidance in ensuring science continued to
underpin EPA’s decision making.
“During his time as CEO of CSIRO, Dr Stocker set about improving the teamwork
and relevance of this peak science organisation,” Mrs Batagol said.
“He set a clear and strategic plan, moving resources within CSIRO to give the
best outcomes for the nation, both in terms of industrial commercial outcomes
but also in terms of public good outcomes.”
Dr Stocker, now a Board member of Wine Victoria and a member of the Executive
Management Committee of the Federal Department of Agriculture, has provided
pivotal leadership across the public and private sectors. He lives in
Whitehead’s Creek, Central Victoria, where he works in the family vineyard.
His former roles have included:
· Chief Scientist for the Australian Government;
· Chairman of CSIRO;
· Chairman of the Australian Science and Technology Council;
· A foundation member of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and
Innovation Council;
· Member of the Australian Research Council;
· Member of the Australian China Council;
· Chairman Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation;
· Chairman Australian Wine Research Institute; and
· Company Director of five public companies in Australia and the UK.
Dr Stocker was awarded the Centenary Medal and in 1999 he was appointed an
Officer in the Order of Australia. Prior to receiving these awards Dr Stocker
had been named Australian of the Year by The Australian newspaper in 1992.
Dr Stocker said he was particularly interested in the intersection between
scientific research and its application.
“Nowhere is there a greater need for evidence-based regulation and decision
making than in the protection of our environment,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the dedicated team at EPA to ensure that we are
among the best in the world in achieving excellence in these important areas.”
He is married and has two daughters. He plays tennis and has interests in
viticulture and Australian native trees.