As former Senator John Reginald ‘Wacka’ Williams AM completes his tenure as FRDC Chair, we reflect on the notable achievements and successes that have marked his extensive and diverse career. 

Born and bred in regional South Australia, John worked as a farmer, truck driver, sheep shearer and small business owner, before he stepped into public life. Elected to the Australian Senate in 2007, he served three successful terms, advocating strongly for rural communities and primary industries.  

Navigating through challenging times 

John was appointed FRDC Chair in March 2020 – just as the COVID-19 swept the globe and organisations faced unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic. Despite this, he successfully navigated FRDC through the crisis, ensuring FRDC’s people were supported while the organisation was geared up to achieve a range of significant milestones under his leadership, including: 

• Playing a pivotal role in shaping and approving FRDC’s RD&E Plan 2020-25, a blueprint for future investment.  

• Spearheading the coordination and establishment of the National Carp Control Plan investigating the technical feasibility of using Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3) as a biological control agent for carp. All 3883 pages of the Plan were delivered to the Australian Government on time and within budget. It was one of the most comprehensive and coordinated assessments of a biological control strategy for aquatic environments ever undertaken. 

• Recognising the importance of on-the-ground extension and support, the FRDC Extension Officer Network was established covering all seven jurisdictions. Extension Officers work directly with stakeholders across aquaculture, commercial wildcatch, Indigenous and recreational fishing helping to accelerate the adoption of R&D outcomes and drive practice change connecting them with the latest R&D and innovations. 

• Steering the organisation through the development and implementation of an investment strategy focused on building capability and capacity of people working in fisheries and aquaculture. Success hinges on a strong workforce with leadership, problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability. In response, FRDC has established the Capability and Capacity C&C Steering Committee to deliver the plan and guide transformative efforts to provide pathways for people to work in fisheries and aquaculture.  

Under John’s guidance, the fisheries and aquaculture sector has expanded from $3.1 billion to $3.63 billion in three years.  

Australia Day Honours  

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to politics and public life, John was awarded the prestigious Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division at the Australia Day 2024 Honours List.  

John’s recognition adds to the list of esteemed individuals acknowledged in 2024 for their contributions to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, including Hon. Robin Gray (Officer of the Order of Australia), Dr. Grahame Webb and Nicholas Moore (Members of the Order of Australia), and Geoffrey Pickard (Medal of the order of Australia). Tiahni Adamson was also awarded 2024 SA Young Australian of the Year, for her influential work on sustainability, Indigenous education and climate change. 

FRDC Managing Director, Dr Patrick Hone thanked John for his significant contribution to FRDC and for his leadership.  

“John’s Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is a testament to his dedication to serving the community and improving the lives of all Australians,” FRDC’s Managing Director Patrick Hone says.

“It serves as a fitting send-off for John as he concludes his role as FRDC Chair.”  

“On behalf of the FRDC Directors and Staff, I thank John for his leadership and support in Chairing FRDC throughout the significant challenges of the last four years, for his insights into politics and guidance on how to navigate senate estimates, for his integrity and statesmanship and for his unwavering belief in strong, vibrant agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries as the backbone of a thriving country. You will be missed.”  

Wacka’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the Australian fisheries and aquaculture sector will be fondly remembered by FRDC.  

The appointment of a new FRDC Chair is now underway. As a statutory RDC of the Australian Government, the FRDC Chair is a Ministerial appointment, a process independently managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.  

“FRDC looks forward to the appointment of a new Chair who is committed to steering FRDC on a strong course to pursue the shared vision of collaborative, vibrant fishing and aquaculture, creating diverse benefits from aquatic resources, and celebrated by the community,” Patrick said.