Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Chief executive officer Andrew Kirkman resigns

A Northern Territory Government CEO has announced his shock resignation effective immediately.

Andrew Kirkman is the next link for chain reaction. He loves the territory and works in a public service job, hopes to see the territory grow in the next couple of years.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries chief executive officer Andrew Kirkman has resigned.

Mr Kirkman notified staff that he was leaving late Thursday afternoon, ahead of the Easter long weekend.

In an email to staff, Mr Kirkman said after 26 years in the NT public service, including 10 years as a chief executive of several agencies, “I am writing to inform you that I am stepping out of my role as Chief Executive of our Department”.

Mr Kirkman said he had enjoyed his time at DAF and greatly appreciated the support of the executive leadership board, senior management group and other fantastic staff.

Mr Kirkman’s email said:

“Our new Department is now well established and I am happy to say that it has the structure, drive and culture to deliver for Ag and Fisheries across the Territory.

“This is the right time for me both personally and professionally to begin a new chapter and pursue some different and exciting opportunities.

“The NTPS is a great place to work and there are no end of opportunities for those willing to have a go.

“I have been very fortunate to have had my fair share of opportunities in the NTPS including with NT Treasury, AustralAsia Railway Corporation/NT Railway, Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, Darwin Waterfront, Department of Housing and Local Government, Land Development Corporation, Department of Transport, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and now here at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

“These different experiences have provided me a great insight to the amazing work done by public servants and our industry and community colleagues across the Territory and I will continue to be a strong advocate of the work you do.”

Mr Kirkman said Mr Jed Matz would be acting chief executive.

He said he would be remaining in the Territory which is “home”.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley confirmed the resignation.

“Andrew Kirkman has concluded his role as chief executive officer, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries effective today,” Minister Maley said.

“I would like to thank Andrew for his dedicated service to the Northern Territory Public Sector over the past 26 years and I wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Originally published as Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Chief executive officer Andrew Kirkman resigns