Building Your Path to a Government Career: A 60-Second Tour of Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Ever wondered how the food on your plate stays safe—and who ensures it meets the highest standards? We’ve combed through the latest FSANZ Annual Report, so you don’t have to! In this quick guide, you’ll learn why FSANZ is a great employer for people with science, policy, or administrative skills. Ready to explore a role that truly impacts public health and safety across Australia and New Zealand? Let’s jump right in!
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Location: Headquartered in Canberra (Australia) and Wellington (New Zealand)
CEO: Dr Sandra Cuthbert
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 23.4 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: Around 127*
*(Figure explained below)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Food Science / Food Technology – Helps evaluate novel foods, conduct risk assessments, and develop standards.
Nutrition / Dietetics – Informs dietary guidelines, labeling, and public health strategies.
Microbiology / Biotechnology – Critical for identifying and managing foodborne pathogens and emerging tech.
Agricultural Science – Useful for primary production standards and understanding supply chain challenges.
Public Policy / Public Health – Helps translate scientific evidence into effective, transparent legislation.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Regulatory Affairs – Demonstrates a grasp of government processes and legal frameworks.
Quality Assurance (QA) – Supports robust checks on food safety and compliance.
Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) – Coordinates multi-stakeholder projects and tight timelines.
Laboratory Technology – Provides practical, hands-on testing expertise.
Risk Management – Identifies and mitigates potential hazards in the food supply.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Food Technologists – Translate lab findings into viable commercial standards.
Policy Officers – Shape and write legislation that protects consumers.
IT Specialists – Maintain data systems and digital platforms to support transparent regulation.
Compliance Auditors – Ensure that producers, manufacturers, and sellers follow FSANZ rules.
Administrative Professionals – Oversee the daily workings behind strategic projects.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking – Interpret complex scientific data and align it with legal requirements.
Effective Communication – Convey crucial information clearly to consumers, industry, and fellow regulators.
Collaboration – Work seamlessly with government agencies, academia, and international bodies.
Technical Writing – Draft new standards and provide guidance on compliance.
Digital Literacy – Use online tools and data platforms for monitoring emerging risks.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Food Manufacturing – Gives real-world insight into quality control and production processes.
Government / Public Sector – Familiarity with legislative processes and public accountability measures.
Scientific Research – Contributes to evidence-based decisions for new standards.
Regulatory Compliance – Offers practical knowledge of how regulations are enforced.
Public Engagement – Demonstrates aptitude for communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Name of CEO: Dr Sandra Cuthbert
Location: Operating Australia-wide and in Wellington, New Zealand
Year Founded: 1991 (under the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Act)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
FSANZ safeguards public health by developing bi-national standards regulating the food supply in Australia and New Zealand. For instance, FSANZ coordinates and oversees food recalls, ensuring quick action to protect consumers when risks are detected.Main duties of the department:
Develop and update the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
Conduct scientific risk assessments for chemicals, allergens, and novel food technologies
Oversee and coordinate food recalls and national incident responses
Provide transparency to consumers and stakeholders through up-to-date resources
Engage globally (e.g., via Codex Alimentarius) to keep standards on par with global best practices
⚡️ Example in Action: In 2023–24, FSANZ handled 83 food recalls and helped manage 10 significant food safety issues.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Review of Novel Foods: Evaluating cutting-edge products like cell-cultured meats
Refining Labelling Standards: Clarifying sugar and allergen information so consumers can make informed choices
Food Safety Surveys: Monitoring antimicrobial resistance in retail meats and investigating pathogens in produce
Front-of-Pack Labelling: Potential further developments to improve consumer-friendly labels
Did You Know?
FSANZ is among the first agencies worldwide to assess and approve certain genetically modified fruit products, showcasing its commitment to robust, science-based innovation!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees:
The Annual Report shows a mix of 109 ongoing plus 16 non-ongoing staff in the previous period, and 111 ongoing plus 18 non-ongoing in the current period, depending on classification. This suggests roughly 127 core staff as of 2023–24, though final totals can vary by classification and timing.
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
APS Levels: Staff in administrative, policy, and technical roles
Executive Levels: Senior advisors, managers, and high-level specialists
Senior Executive Service (SES): Oversee critical programs and shape strategic direction
Salary Bands: Generally from AUD 55,000 for entry roles, up to around AUD 170,000+ for SES positions, reflecting the Australian Public Service (APS) framework.
Average Salary in the Department: Estimated mid-range around AUD 90,000–110,000 for typical policy, science, and technical roles.
Total Revenue: AUD 23.4 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD 184,000 (23.4 million ÷ 127 employees)
(All revenue and staff data align with the 2023–24 Annual Report.)
GETTING A JOB AT FSANZ
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate in Laboratory Technology or Quality Auditing – Perfect for supporting scientific and compliance work.
Diploma in Business or Administration – Great for managing day-to-day operations and project tasks.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor / Master in Food Science, Nutrition, or Dietetics – Ensures a strong grasp of how diet, food safety, and labeling intersect.
Bachelor / Master in Microbiology or Biotechnology – Vital for understanding emerging tech and addressing microbial risks.
Master of Public Administration / Policy – Ideal for shaping strategic decisions and liaising with other government bodies.
PhDs:
PhD in Food Science, Toxicology, or Public Health – Contributes advanced research insights to policy, especially on emerging food trends.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Food Industry QA Professionals – Translate manufacturing benchmarks into regulatory standards.
Policy Analysts – Craft thoughtful policies that balance scientific evidence with community needs.
IT Systems Experts – Manage the digital infrastructure for data-sharing and public communication.
Science Communicators – Bridge the gap between complex scientific findings and everyday consumers.
Project Officers / Managers – Steer key initiatives and ensure timely project outcomes.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Food Manufacturing / Production – Offers firsthand knowledge of production lines and hazard management.
Laboratory or Research Positions – Build credibility and accuracy in risk assessment work.
Government or Regulatory Roles – Simplify the transition into APS processes.
NGO or Community Advocacy – Demonstrates skill in broad stakeholder engagement.
Consulting for Food Businesses – Cultivates expertise in scaling solutions and bridging science with commerce.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement – Essential for multi-party regulatory projects.
Clear Communication – Key to sharing technical updates with industry and the public.
Adaptability – Helps you pivot when new food innovations suddenly emerge.
Technical skills:
Lab Analysis – Supports evidence-based decisions on contaminants and pathogens.
Data Analytics – Improves real-time surveillance and incident management.
Regulatory Drafting – Translates research outcomes into enforceable legislation.
General skills:
Organisational – Maintains momentum across parallel projects and priorities.
Digital Literacy – From social media monitoring to complex data dashboards.
Public Engagement – Builds trust through transparent, timely communication.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Baking or Recipe Creation – Encourages a deeper understanding of food ingredients and safety.
Gardening or Urban Farming – Highlights farm-to-table thinking and food sustainability.
Community Health Volunteering – Fosters public interest in safe and nutritious diets.
Tech Enthusiasm – Keeps you proactive about emerging “foodtech” trends, such as cultured meats.
Science Writing – Refines skills to simplify complex data for public consumption.
Want more information on FSANZ?
Contact the Department
Address (Canberra): 2 Philip Law Street, New Acton, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Telephone (Australia): +61 2 6271 2222
Email: information@foodstandards.gov.au
Website: www.foodstandards.gov.au
For job-specific queries, request the HR or Recruitment Team’s contact information.
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