Experience

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  Department of Primary Industries and Regions

  • Australia
  • Government Administration
  • 300 - 400 Employee

  • Chief Executive

    • Dec 2021 - Present

    As Chief Executive, Professor Mehdi Doroudi's primary focus is on advancing the prosperity and sustainability of South Australia’s primary industries and regional communities.Professor Doroudi works in partnership with all levels of government, industry, regional communities and research organisations to: • increase productivity of our primary industries and agribusinesses • grow regions by supporting key regional development drivers • lead and influence evidence-based policy, programs and regulatory frameworks to drive efficiency, effectiveness and unlock potential • secure production through biosecurity, food safety standards and efficient and sustainable use of agricultural and aquatic resources • deliver and facilitate the adoption of applied science that leverage South Australia’s competitive advantages • manage adverse events effectively and help primary industries and regional communities improve preparedness, resilience and recover well • enable market access by working with primary industries to respond to evolving requirements of domestic and global markets and consumers • champion South Australian primary industries and regions in relevant state, federal and global forums.

  • Deputy Chief Executive

    • Dec 2015 - Dec 2021

    As Deputy Chief Executive, Mehdi was responsible for leading and influencing the industry development, science and innovation, policy, legislative and emergency response activities of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions in South Australia (PIRSA) which support the responsible and sustainable growth of agriculture, food, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry in rural and regional South Australia. He contributed to the development of whole of government policies, industry development plans, natural resource management, biosecurity, emergency preparedness, response and recovery plans, and implemented major programs in the field of agribusiness, food, wine, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry. He was responsible for the overall development of R&D strategic plans and programs of the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research arm of PIRSA. Mehdi supervised PIRSA’s high quality, objective policy advice to the South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, and to the South Australian Government. He was responsible for the management of approximately 600 staff and $110 million of the annual budget of PIRSA.

  • Group Executive Director

    • Jul 2014 - Dec 2015

    Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) is a key Department of the South Australian Government in sustainable development of agriculture, food, fibre, fisheries and aquaculture. PIRSA has a strong involvement in rural and regional South Australia and implements a range of initiatives to support the growth of the primary industries and explore ways to better optimize the value of the State's natural resources. As Group Executive Director, Mehdi was responsible for leading and influencing the activities of PIRSA in the achievement of legislative, policy, management and development outcomes, and other initiatives such as research and development that will support the responsible and sustainable growth of agriculture, food, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in South Australia. Mehdi ensured strategic priorities are developed, aligned with the State Strategic Plans, and consistent with other State or Commonwealth relevant legislations. He developed and strengthened a network of collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at national, regional and local levels. He contributed into the development of whole of government policies, provided high quality, objective policy advice to the Chief Executive and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

  • Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture

    • 2010 - Jul 2014

    As Executive Director, Fisheries and Aquaculture for Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA), Mehdi had responsibility for leading and influencing the activities of PIRSA in the achievement of legislative, policy, management and development outcomes, and other initiatives such as research and development that will support the responsible and sustainable management of fisheries resources and also sustainable growth of a viable aquaculture industry in South Australia. Mehdi ensures strategic priorities are developed, aligned with the State Strategic Plans, and consistent with other State or Commonwealth relevant legislations. He develops and strengthens a network of collaborative partnerships with stakeholders at national, regional and local levels. He contributes into the development of whole of government policies (e.g., Marine Parks, Climate Change), implements a comprehensive program of cost recovery, provides and oversees high quality, objective policy advice to the Chief Executive and Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

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  South Australian Senior Emergency Management Centre

  • State Controller (Agriculture)

    • Jan 2019 - Present

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  Australian Maritime and Fishing Academy

  • Director

    • Jan 2010 - Present

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  South Australian COVID-19 Transition Committee

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Member

    • 2021 - 2022
    • South Australia, Australia

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  Food Security and Nutrition Committee, G20Y Association

  • Switzerland

  • Term Chair

    • 2015 - 2018
    • Switzerland

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  Australian Fisheries Management Forum

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Member

    • 2009 - 2017
    • South Australia, Australia

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  South Australian Fisheries Council

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Member

    • 2009 - 2014
    • South Australia, Australia

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  South Australian Fisheries Research Advisory Board

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Member

    • 2006 - 2013
    • South Australia, Australia

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  National R, D & E Strategy Forum - Fisheries and Aquaculture

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Member

    • 2006 - 2012
    • South Australia, Australia

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  Australian Ornamental Fish Management Committee

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Chair

    • 2009 - 2011
    • South Australia, Australia

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  South Australian Research and Development Institute

  • West Beach, South Australia

  • Chief Scientist

    • Dec 2006 - Jun 2009
    • West Beach, South Australia

    Chief of Aquatic Sciences, SARDI and Executive Director, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture at Primary Indsutries and Resources SAMehdi worked as Chief, Aquatic Sciences for the South Australian Research and Development Institute. He had responsibility to provide effective, innovative and coordinated services to clients with an aquatic resource management focus including aquaculture research and development, marine and freshwater ecological research, and environmental assessment together with fisheries biology, assessment, modelling and oceanography. He led more than 130 science-related staff and postgraduate students, managing three research centres and maintaining strong relationships with a broad range of stakeholders. Mehdi was responsible for an annual budget of $18-20 million. Whilst undertaking this role, Mehdi was providing the SA Chief Veterinary Officer, Aquaculture and Fisheries Executive Directors, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia with technical advice on aquatic animal health issues.

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  Marine Produce Australia

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Non-Executive Director

    • 2007 - 2009
    • South Australia, Australia

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  AQUAFIN CRC

  • South Australia, Australia

  • Director

    • 2007 - 2008
    • South Australia, Australia

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  Department of Primary Industries Victoria (DPI)

  • Queenscliff, Attwood, Victoria

  • Research Director

    • Nov 2003 - Dec 2006
    • Queenscliff, Attwood, Victoria

    Research Director, Marine and Freshwater Systems at Primary Industries Research VictoriaMehdi worked as Research Director for Marine and Freshwater Systems Platform, Primary Industries Research Victoria. He had responsibility to provide effective, innovative and coordinated services to clients with an aquatic resource management focus including aquaculture research and development, coastal and marine resource mapping, marine and freshwater ecological research, and environmental assessment together with fisheries biology, assessment and modelling. This involved leadership and management of 87 scientific staff, management of two research centres and a broad range of stakeholders. As Principal Veterinary Officer within the Chief Veterinary Officer’s Unit, Department of Primary Industries in Victoria, Mehdi took particular responsibility to develop and implement policies and programs in relation to the management of aquatic animal health. In particular, he was responsible for developing programs for disease prevention, control and eradication of exotic or notifiable diseases, diagnostic investigation and monitoring and surveillance with particular emphasis on the aquaculture and recreational fishing industries.

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  Victorian Marine Science Consortium

  • Victoria, Australia

  • Chair

    • 2005 - 2006
    • Victoria, Australia

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  NSW Fisheries

  • Inland Saline Aquaculture Centre, NSW

  • Research Scientist

    • Jan 2002 - Oct 2003
    • Inland Saline Aquaculture Centre, NSW

    Mehdi worked for NSW Fisheries as Research Scientist-in-Charge of an inland saline aquaculture project to develop protocols for sustainable, commercially viable culture of marine species using inland saline groundwater. He developed new technologies for grow-out of various species including marine (mulloway, snapper and tiger prawn), salt tolerant freshwater (silver perch) and salmonids (Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Atlantic salmon) using inland saline groundwater. He was responsible for overall research activities undertaken by Inland Saline Aquaculture Research Centre at Wakool, NSW.

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  Maxima Pearling Company

  • Broome, Western Australia

  • Technical Manager

    • Jun 1999 - Jan 2002
    • Broome, Western Australia

    Mehdi worked as Technical Manager for Maxima Pearling Company, responsible for the overall performance of hatchery and grow-out productions (silver lip and black lip pearl oysters), coordinating all scientific research activities undertaken by the company including those relating to pearl quality, seeding operation and harvest. He was responsible for the proper conduct of environmental monitoring and implementation of new technologies into the company’s work practices.