About us

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries was formed in August 2024 to enable agricultural producers to grow their business and the industry.

The department also underpins our reputation as a supplier of safe and quality agricultural produce through scientific research, strong biosecurity practices and compliance of animal welfare legislation.

Recreational fishing is synonymous with a great Territory lifestyle, and the team works with Aboriginal ranger groups, commercial fishers and the community, to ensure sustainable fishery resources through appropriate fishery management and regulation.

The formation of the new department was designed with clear objectives in mind:

• aligning public sector structures with government’s top priorities: reduce crime, rebuild the economy, and restore our unique Territory lifestyle
• building a stronger, more specialised public service with technical expertise in smaller departments
• empowering quicker and informed decisions, made closer to the ground, with structures that enable the public service to be agile and responsive.

Chief Executive Officer

Amelia Vellar

Appointed in September 2025, Amelia Vellar is the CEO of the Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. She brings extensive leadership experience from both Territory and local government, including her most recent role as Acting CEO of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development, where she managed a $850 million budget and led over 500 staff.

Amelia has held senior roles with the City of Palmerston and City of Darwin, overseeing major infrastructure projects and driving organisational reform. She holds an Executive MBA from Melbourne Business School, a Graduate Certificate in Business (Public Sector Management), and a Bachelor of Psychology.

Raised on a fifth-generation family farm in South Australia, Amelia brings a deep personal connection to agriculture, along with a strong track record in public sector leadership and reform.

Deputy Chief Executive/Senior Executive Director Agriculture

Mr Jed Matz

Senior Executive Director Biosecurity and Animal Welfare

Ms Lorriane Corowa

Senior Executive Director Fisheries

Mr Matthew Osborne

Senior Executive Director Industry Development and Corporate Services

Mr Andrew Baylis

Our minister

Hon Gerard Maley, MLA

• Deputy Chief Minister
• Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
• Minister for Recreational Fishing

Our annual reports

View annual reports for the department prior to it being established.

Our customer service charter

View the department's customer service charter.

Customer service charter PDF (152.1 KB)
Customer service charter DOCX (61.6 KB)

Access to information

View the department’s statement of information.

Fraud control

View how we prevent fraud and how to report suspected fraud.

Careers

It’s an exciting time to join us. Find out more about our career opportunities.