Priority areas
Long-term strategic vision
The Chief Primary Industries Scientist develops and advocates for a long-term departmental strategic vision, through robust research, that guides the appropriate resourcing of research in primary industries. The purpose of this strategic vision is to ensure the department can solve future challenges, such as maintaining global food security and ensuring that WA develops internationally competitive primary industries.
Coordination and support
The Chief Primary Industries Scientist coordinates and supports research across the department's grains, livestock, farming systems, horticulture, and aquaculture research teams. Ben encourages across directorate collaboration to link research outcomes with positive practice change, policy development, and business opportunities.
Enhanced scientific research
The Chief Primary Industries Scientist drives the development and implementation of strategies to build and enhance the department's scientific research capabilities consistent with industry requirements. He ensures that research efforts align with industry needs and contribute to the continuous improvement of primary industries science. He provides independent scientific advice and is a champion for the department's PID science program. He also identifies and facilitates the department's involvement in improving research and development.
Collaborative partnerships
The Chief Primary Industries Scientist has established and continues to strengthen collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders, including CSIRO, universities (such as Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia), and other research organisations.
They actively engage in initiatives such as the Western Australian Agricultural Research Collaboration to leverage expertise and resources for impactful research outcomes.
Representation and advocacy
The Chief Primary Industries Scientist represents the department regionally, nationally and internationally to advocate for relevant state and national research programs. He ensures that the department remains at the forefront of discussions and decision-making processes in primary industries research and development.