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  4. Independent Chair and Directors…

RSPCA Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of former Liberal Senator Gary Humphries as Chair of the Board of Directors. 

As Australia’s leading animal welfare organisation and one of Australia’s most trusted charities, RSPCA Australia is committed to high standards of governance, demonstrated most recently through the appointment of three independent directors including the Chair. 

"The RSPCA is a great Australian institution, and I'm immensely proud to be adding my efforts to the vital work it does as the nation's leading advocate for the welfare of animals,” Mr Humphries, Chair of RSPCA Australia. 

"During my term as Chair, I want to build on the respect Australians already accord the RSPCA for its principled leadership in animal welfare issues, and consolidate the important campaigns it runs in areas such as live animal exports, use of whips in racing and cage-free egg farming.

“The RSPCA’s strong science-based positions and policies ensure it continues to provide evidence-based solutions to key animal welfare issues, and I am certainly looking forward to being part of that,” said Mr Humphries.

Mr Humphries has enjoyed a long career in politics.  He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory from 1989 to 2003, and was Chief Minister from 2000 to 2001. From 2003 to 2013 he was the Liberal Senator for the ACT.  Mr Humphries is currently Deputy President of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. 

Mr Humphries has been joined on the Board by Ms Deborah Hambleton and Dr Richard Russell. Ms Hambleton is a non-executive director and legal consultant and has held a number of senior legal roles in the private sector.  Dr Russell is a medical practitioner and a specialist in occupational medicine and public health medicine. 

Mr Humphries, Ms Hambleton and Dr Russell join eight other directors, one nominated from each of the eight RSPCA Societies.  

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