A new Threatened Species Commissioner will officially take the reins after the Christmas break, with the Federal Government appointing Dr Sally Box to the position earlier this week. Replacing Gregory Andrews, the Threatened Species Commissioner is in charge of the Threatened Species Strategy, a national plan that has identified key projects to help save threatened plants and animals.
The Coalition appointed Gregory Andrews as the first ever Threatened Species Commissioner in July 2014, recognising the need for a coordinated effort in dealing with the demise of many of Australia’s native flora and fauna. Dr Box has a PhD in Plant Sciences and began her career in the Department of the Environment and Energy working on threatened species assessments. She has worked with the community to design and deliver programs focused on threatened species conservation, including through her leadership of the Green Army.
Environment Minister Joshua Frydenberg said the Federal Government has spent more than $237 million across 1,000 projects to support threatened species outcomes. “Dr Box will continue the excellent work already underway, develop new initiatives and approaches and increase momentum for threatened species conservation,” he said.
The SSAA has written to Dr Box to congratulate her on her appointment and expressed our eagerness to continue working closely with the Threatened Species team, as we did under former Commissioner Gregory Andrews.