Metcalfe announces early retirement from Ag department top job

The Federal Government is on the search for a new agriculture boss, with the resignation of departmental secretary Andrew Metcalfe 18 months before the end of his term.

Mr Metcalfe announced his retirement in a message to his Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry staff this week, stating he will be leaving the Australian Public Service on 4 August.

“I’ve thought long and hard about when I should retire from full-time work, and quite simply, now is the right time,” he said.

“This is an extraordinary job but it is relentless, particularly so in recent years as we’ve collectively worked to support our industries through COVID and in progressing so many issues.

“The ever-present weight of protecting our borders from threats of biosecurity incursions, and of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all of our staff, has been with me every day and every night over the last three-and-a-half years.”

Mr Metcalfe said he had mixed emotions about vacating the top job, noting the department had a big task ahead of it.

He said work in implementing the outcomes of the Australian Public Service Commission’s capability review for the department and in advancing the government’s policy initiatives, meant it was time for a new secretary with “new energy” to take over the reins.

In announcing his retirement, the secretary expressed his “deepest appreciation” for staff across the department.

“Your dedication, expertise and commitment are truly remarkable,” he said.

“I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand your tireless efforts to support Australia’s biosecurity and advance the sustainable future of our agricultural, forestry and fishing industries, which in turn ensure our food security and the success of vital parts of our economy, particularly in regional and rural Australia.”

The highly regarded public sector leader joined the APS in 1980 as a trainee and was first appointed a departmental secretary in 2005 when he led the immigration department (through various name changes and incarnations) until 2013 when he was first appointed to lead the agriculture department.

A change in federal governments saw him lose that job eight months later and enter the private sector as a partner in giant accountancy firm Ernst & Young (EY).

Following six years as a consultant, Mr Metcalfe rejoined the public service when appointed once more as the agriculture secretary in 2020.

His current term was due to end in January 2025.

“I have also had the opportunity to work with many inspirational and very dedicated public servants over the last four decades,” he said.

“From frontline staff in Australia and overseas, to technical experts, to SES officers and departmental secretaries.

“There are far too many for me to mention by name here, but I plan to talk more about these people – about what they taught me and how they inspired me – in the weeks ahead.”

Mr Metcalfe has worked with 15 different ministers over 18 years in secretary or deputy secretary roles, and describes his current boss, Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, as “a very strong and capable leader and advocate for the interests of our agriculture, fishing and forestry industries, and for the public service”.

Mr Watt has described the secretary as highly professional and a leader who demonstrated “deep respect and care” for his staff.

“I have appreciated having Mr Metcalfe at my side as together we have tackled complex challenges,” the minister said.

“Including the most serious biosecurity threat Australia’s agriculture sector has faced in decades, longstanding workforce shortages, supporting the agriculture sector to thrive in a changing climate and increasing trade opportunities for Australian producers.”