Incoming chair of the Crawford Fund for Food Security Su McCluskey has welcomed the Government’s commitment to a National Food Security Strategy and called for stronger leadership across the Indo-Pacific region.

“Food security is a human right. Yet today more than 673 million people are hungry, and 150 million children under five are stunted,” she said.

“Australia is perfectly placed to take the lead on reducing hunger in our region. We have decades of engagement in the Indo-Pacific area, world class research institutions and a unique government partnership model led by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).”

The annual Crawford Fund conference held last week in Canberra heard that global organisations such as ASEAN, the G20 and UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP) are recognising the urgent need to transition to food systems that increase food production while reducing the impact on the environment.

“As Chair of the Crawford Fund I look forward to working closely with the Federal Government and ACIAR to promote Australia’s contribution to regional food security through increased investment in agricultural research partnerships and capacity building within Australia and internationally.”

Ms McCluskey said research partnerships with emerging countries not only resulted in enhanced food security but strengthened Australia’s strategic relationships.

Ms McCluskey joined the Crawford Fund Board in 2024 and until recently was the first Special Representative for Australian Agriculture.

She is an experienced senior business executive and company director with a strong background in agricultural policy, production and research.

The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, former Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, has been appointed as Deputy Chair.

Ms McCluskey thanked outgoing Crawford Fund Chair the Hon. John Anderson AC for his exceptional contribution to Crawford Fund over 17 years, initially leading the NSW Committee and then as Chair of the Board from 2017-2025.