Ilona Stobutzki

ACT Director

I am passionate about sustainable Australian seafood and oceans management. I am grounded in marine science and have over 25 years’ experience focused on informing decision makers. Most of my career has been within the research bureau, ABARES, within the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, leading work with stakeholders across industry, policy, management and non-government organisations to understand, guide and use research.

I have lived and worked internationally, supporting management of coastal fisheries in Southeast Asia, representing Australian in regional fisheries management organisations and supporting Australian agricultural trade, as Minister Counsellor – Agriculture, ASEAN. I am currently the Science Director / Deputy Director for National Collections and Marine Infrastructure (NCMI), CSIRO. We run the Research Vessel Investigator, have specialist marine engineering and technology researchers and the Australian National Fish Collection.

As a daughter of immigrants, in all my roles I have worked to strengthen diversity and inclusion, from individual mentoring to driving organisational change. I am currently, a member of CSIRO’s Gender Equity working group, chair the NCMI Reconciliation Action Plan working group and a WISA mentor. I have extensive experience in executive-level governance within the public sector.

I am a member of advisory boards for infrastructure construction and fisheries management. I am the Independent Chair for the SA Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee, working with recreational, charter, commercial and Indigenous and conservation representatives. WISA’s values and purpose align with my core values - Australian seafood needs strong and diverse voices and perspectives for the future. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute bringing enthusiasm, passion and experience and fostering inclusion.