Research Advisory Committees (RACs) play a vital role in ensuring FRDC investment delivers real impact.
There are eight RACs – one representing each State, the Commonwealth, and the Northern Territory – providing advice on priorities and investment needs relevant to the public good and for sectors not covered under our Industry Partnership Agreements.
The RACs will help us deliver the FRDC R&D Plan 2020-2025 by:
- Taking the lead in identifying, synthesising and aggregating stakeholder priorities.
- Considering avenues for delivery of R&D outputs and identifying suitable extension activities.
- Assisting in monitoring FRDC-invested activities and aiding in the delivery of outputs.
- Helping to identify potential external technical reviewers of applications, including RAC members with suitable expertise and no conflicts of interest.
For further information refer to the RAC Management Procedure.
RAC membership
RAC membership incorporates people with broad fishing, aquaculture and community (including Indigenous) expertise to provide situational awareness and access to their networks.
Committee membership is for a two‐year term and committee members are paid a sitting fee for participation at RAC meetings (unless they are a government employee without a separate ABN).
RAC meetings
RACs convene at least twice a year, with increasing numbers of RAC meetings hosted online via Microsoft Teams. The FRDC coordinates and provides management support for RACs.
The next meeting dates will be confirmed.
RAC Chairs
Independent Chairs lead RAC meetings. The FRDC appoints a small number of common Chairs who preside over two to three RACs each. Chairs have a three-year tenure and are paid a sitting fee.
A selection panel comprising the relevant Director of Fisheries and the FRDC selects each RAC Chair and member.
For an overview of current RAC members and previous supported research:
|
RAC |
Chair |
Committee Member |
FRDC Project Manager and contact |
|
Dr Cathy Dichmont |
|
Josh Fielding Jamie Allnutt, Transformational Extension and Adoption Manager - jamie.allnutt@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Dr James Findlay |
|
Toby Piddocke Kris Cooling, Extension Officer (NSW) - kris.cooling@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Dr Cathy Dichmont |
|
Adrianne Laird Lauren Thornton, Extension Officer (NT) - lauren.thornton@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Dr James Findlay |
|
Adrianne Laird Steve Eayrs, Extension Officer (QLD) - steve.eayrs@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Mr Brett McCallum |
|
Chris Izzo Nathan Bicknell, Extension Officer (SA) - nathan.bicknell@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Dr Heidi Mumme |
|
Josh Fielding David Maynard, Extension Officer (TAS) - david.maynard@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Dr Heidi Mumme |
|
Toby Piddocke Matt Jones, Extension Officer (VIC) - matt.jones@frdc.com.au |
|
|
Mr Brett McCallum |
|
Chris Izzo Felicity Horn, Extension Officer (WA) - felicity.horn@frdc.com.au |
