Helen Scott-Orr

Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM is an Australian veterinarian and epidemiologist. Scott-Orr served, from 25 July 2016 until 24 July 2019, as the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, a statutory body under the federal agriculture portfolio. She is a former Chief Veterinary Officer of New South Wales and Executive Director within the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

Education

Scott-Orr completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (with honours) at the University of Sydney. She then completed a Diploma in Bacteriology, Microbiology and Immunology through the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. She was admitted as a member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Epidemiology in 1988. She became a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2005.

Career

Scott-Orr has had a Government career spanning 40 years.

She is well known for her contribution to rabies control in Indonesia, and her efforts to increase preparedness in case of a rabies incursion into Northern Australia.^[1] She is the recipient of an Australian Government Public Service Medal (PSM).

Scott-Orr had a major role in the control and management of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis.

She has undertaken a strategic investigation into White spot syndrome incursion into Australia.

Scott-Orr was appointed on 25 July 2016 as the first Inspector-General of Biosecurity. She was succeeded by Rob Delane on 25 July 2019.^[2]

Affiliations

• Coordinator, Crawford Fund NSW Committee^{[3][unreliable source?]}
• Board Director, Animal Health Australia^[3]
• Honorary Association Professor, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney^[3]
• Board Director, Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre^[3]

Former associations

• Project leader, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, NSW Department of Primary Industries http://aciar.gov.au/project/ah/2006/166
• Trustee, Organic Research and Education Trust^[3]
• NSW Agriculture, Department of Primary Industries^[3]
• Board member, Cotton Catchment Communities CRC board^[3]
• Board Director, Cattle and Beef Quality Cooperative Research Centre^[3]
• Board Director, Australian Sheep Industry Cooperative Research Centre^[3]
• Former board member, Sustainable Rice Production Cooperative Research Centre

Awards

Scott-Orr received the Seddon Memorial Prize in 1991.^[4]

She received a Public Service Medal at the 2010 Australia Day Awards for Outstanding Public Service to Agricultural and Veterinary Science.^[5][6]

In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for "significant service to public administration, to biosecurity, and to veterinary science".^[7]

Personal life

Helen Scott-Orr lives in Millthorpe, New South Wales.^[5]

References

1. Drewitt, Andy. "Health experts say Australia must brace for rabies arrival from Indonesia". The Australian. News Ltd. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
2. "Biography – Inspector-General of Biosecurity". www.igb.gov.au. Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
3. Scott-Orr, Helen. "Profile Page". Linked In. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
4. "Public Service Medal (PSM) - Australian Public Service" (PDF). Governor General of Australia. Retrieved 6 March 2019.
5. Prisk, Tracey (25 January 2010). "Humble Helen says award is a surprise". Central Western Daily. Fairfax. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
6. "Ms Helen Scott-Orr". It's an Honour. Australian Government. Retrieved 6 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
7. "Dr Helen Scott-Orr PSM". It's An Honour. Retrieved 13 June 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)