TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This public testimonial is to commend in the highest terms the skills of Ms. Susannah Tymms in the fields of problem analysis, summation of critical issues, preparation of sensitive documents, and written and verbal communication in the area of public policy.
I have worked intensively with Ms. Tymms while she was employed by the Department of Primary Industries of the Victorian Government. I had the honour of heading an Independent Review of the moratorium on the planting of genetically modified canola in the State of Victoria, which had been in place for 4 years. My committee and I sought and received a large number of written and oral submissions, which had to be evaluated, analyzed and summarized. We met numerous times and employed two high-powered consultants (one an individual and one a firm). We also sought input from the Commonwealth Government and in particular the Gene Technology Regulator. All of this work had to be co-ordinated by the Department, and Ms. Tymms was given the arduous task of heading that effort. She was also responsible for preparing drafts of our report, and putting this into final form after we had concluded our discussions and deliberations. In the event, we produced a substantial report with 7 key recommendations which recommended lifting the moratorium. The report was well received by government and all the recommendations were accepted. The report was also generously praised by interested parties. I personally received a great deal of positive feedback but must confess that a large part of the credit really belongs to Ms. Tymms.
Recently, Ms Tymms has left the Victorian Public Service and started a consultancy of her own. I can honestly recommend her services to anyone in need of intelligent, forthright , independent and objective policy advice.
Sir Gustav Nossal, Professor Emeritus, The University of Melbourne, Feb 2012
AFGC greatly appreciated the highly professional approach Susannah displayed when reviewing the scientific body of knowledge in a key area of food labelling. We wanted a report which was independent, comprehensive and with a high degree of integrity, and that is what we got. From helping to define precisely what the project entailed, detailing the costs, and writing the report Susannah was able to guide the project to an excellent final product. Its acceptance in the public domain as definitive piece of work has been universal. Moreover it has contributed substantially to ongoing policy development in the area of food labelling informing the food industry, government and other stakeholders. We’d happily contract Susannah again to assist us on new projects.
Geoffrey Annison, PhD., Deputy Chief Executive, Australian Food and Grocery Council, Feb 2012
Susannah Tymms 