Research and development review
Information regarding a review of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s research and development to align with our new focus and priorities.
In August 2024, the Minister for Agriculture announced a review of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s (DPIRD) research and development (R&D). The review was conducted by an independent expert panel comprised of:
- Professor Mary O’Kane AC (Chair): former NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer
- Daryl Quinlivan AO: former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture
- Dr James Findlay: former Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority
- Dr Nick Austin: President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research.
The panel found world-class researchers delivering programs that make a difference to the productivity, sustainability and safety of our primary industries. However, the panel identified a need for change to address critical gaps in governance, financial sustainability, asset management and reporting.
The panel made 15 recommendations to address these gaps that overtime will improve accountability, raise standards and encourage good governance. Amongst these recommendations is the release of a new Research Development and Extension Strategy (RD&E Strategy) to support effective decision making and guide the strategic direction of our research, development and extension program.
A final report was delivered to Government to support the 2025-26 Budget and a further $41.5 million investment in primary industries research and development as part of a $100 million research and development package.
To find out more information, please read:
- Final report (PDF 13.92MB)
- Frequently asked questions below:
Frequently asked questions
In August 2024, the Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW announced a review of the department’s research and development (R&D) to ensure the department’s program meets the needs of government, primary producers, the environment and regional communities.
The report has been developed by an independent panel, chaired by Professor Mary O’Kane AC. Other Panel members include:
- Daryl Quinlivan AO, former Secretary of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture
- Dr Nick Austin, President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research
- Dr James Findlay, former Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
The Panel consulted widely to understand:
- how well the department’s research priorities are articulated and understood
- how research partnerships are managed
- opportunities for improvement
- the governance and finance arrangements currently in place to allocate government and external investment in research outcomes.
This included close consultation with the department’s staff, research partners and key stakeholders, plus visits to a number of the department’s research sites across NSW.
The Panel found that while research and development remains critical to maintaining growth and innovation in NSW’s primary industries sector, reform is needed to improve outcomes for industry, the environment and community. Other findings include:
- A misalignment between operating budget and maintenance costs associated with aging assets, with public funding overcommitted to maintenance limiting the ability of the department to directly invest in its research program.
- An aging workforce with nearly half of the department’s scientific staff over 50, risking the loss of scientific knowledge and capability over time.
- A need for improved governance, prioritisation and decision-making arrangements to improve clarity for staff and stakeholders, increase research impact and outcomes, and improve financial management, planning and decision making.
The report contains 15 recommendations that focus on improving governance and transparency, encouraging partnerships and strengthening strategic direction.
The Panel’s report emphasises the need for a research program that supports DPIRD’s statutory obligations, aligns with government priorities, and enhances outcomes for regional industries and economies, the environment and communities.
Recommendations include:
- The development of a new Research, Development and Extension Strategy that articulates clear research priorities in line with the department’s statutory responsibilities and key government priorities.
- A more coordinated approach between research, education and extension to ensure research is getting in the hands of primary producers and improving on-ground outcomes.
- Closer collaboration with research partners to identify opportunities for more strategic research and improve the public benefits of joint research activities.
$41.5M has been announced by the Government as part of the 2025-26 Budget to bring the Government’s total investment in research and development in the primary industries sector to $100 million. This package supports a number of initiatives including:
- the delivery of renewed research priorities under a new Research, Development and Extension Strategy, to be released from July 2025
- implementation of a graduate program to provide a pathway for young scientists in critical scientific fields
- uplift across key research stations in areas of digital infrastructure and technology to ensure innovative research is supported by modern facilities
- support improved governance and transparency in research prioritisation and decision making through a Research & Development Advisory Board.
Work has commenced on implementing the panel’s recommendations. It is anticipated that a new Research, Development and Extension Strategy will be released publicly from July 2025.