Gifts and benefits

The department is required to report all gifts or benefits accepted by our Secretary which are valued at over $100.

Regular reporting ensures our Secretary meets public expectations regarding public service integrity, accountability, independence, transparency, and professionalism.  

In order to demonstrate the department’s commitment to meeting these expectations, gifts and benefits received by Deputy Secretaries are also publicly reported.

Access to data

We update the gifts and benefits list each quarter or within 28 days of the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries receiving a gift or benefit. This information is available on the department’s website for 12 months. We also publish the register of gifts and benefits on data.gov.au.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment was established on 1 February 2020. Prior to this date, separate departments existed. These were the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of the Environment and Energy (Environment portfolio).

Statement by the Secretary

In the course of undertaking my duties as Agency Head of the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, I declare I received these gifts or benefits, the value of which exceeds the stipulated threshold of $AUD100.00 (excluding GST).

Reporting of Gifts and Benefits
Received Recorded Item Received by Presented by Occasion Estimated Value $A*
17/03/21 19/03/21 The Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky Distiller's Reserve Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO His Excellency Ambassador Yamagami Meet and greet with Ambassador to Japan.
His Excellency Mr Yamagami		 $149.00
14/01/21 8/02/21 Jack Denis Pooley Pinot Noir Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO Ms Angela Gosden Pooley wines Site visit to Pooley Wines Vineyard $149.00

*Wholesale value in country of origin or current market value in Australia

Statement by Deputy Secretaries

In the course of undertaking my duties as a Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, I received these gifts or benefits, the value of which exceeds the stipulated threshold of $AUD100.00 (excluding GST).

Gifts and Benefit Reporting
Received Recorded Item Received by Presented by Occasion Estimated value $A*
5/06/21 17/09/21 2 x Brumbies tickets and catering Mr Andrew Tongue PSM Vice Chancellor University of Canberra Networking opportunity $200.00
8/12/20 18/12/20 Beach towel Mr David Hazlehurst Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines Christmas gift $100.00

*Wholesale value in country of origin or current market value in Australia