As the manager of the NFFC, Steve supports the work of the Council, engages with members and other key stakeholders to coordinate delivery of the National Fruit Fly Strategy.

Steve is an entomologist whose career spans research, teaching, industry engagement, and more recently industry-focussed biosecurity planning. In May 2024, he joined Plant Health Australia (PHA) as Biosecurity Planning Manager bringing extensive scientific and industry experience to PHA’s Preparedness team. Prior to joining PHA, he held Lecturer and Research Fellow in Entomology roles at the University of Tasmania where his teaching focused on pest management, agricultural extension and industry analysis.

His research portfolio includes a diverse suite of entomological themes including biosecurity, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological control, insect chemical ecology, crop pollination and honey bee health. Before entering academia, he worked across several horticultural sectors including viticulture, apple, cherry, stone fruit, and vegetable industries building strong relationships with growers and gaining practical understanding of the challenges faced by our horticultural sector. These experiences have resulted in leadership roles across numerous applied research and extension projects focused on improving the resilience and profitability of Australian horticulture.