The Australian Dairy Farmers’ (ADF) team encompasses a small, cohesive and flexible group of professionals driven to improve the profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Divided between three functions – Policy, Media and Communications, and Business Support – each individual brings unique skill sets and experience to the table.
Our vision is for a sustainable, innovative, domestic and internationally competitive dairy industry that is valued for its environmental, economic, health and social contribution. We value our dairy farmers’ feedback, as we strive to continuously improve our advocacy and policies to meet their best interests on a national scale.
Stephen’s passion for agriculture comes from being raised on a mixed dryland-irrigation farm prior to studying agriculture. Stephen has extensive experience in agriculture working with industry and the farming community, first with AWB, one of Australia’s largest corporate agribusinesses, where he gained experience in various roles along the supply chain from farm gate to end-user customer. He then moved to the not-for-profit sector continuing to work directly with farmers as well as industry and government at the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) most recently as CEO.
Stephen is a director with Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West, and his formal qualifications include a degree in Agricultural Economics, Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance & Investment, and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Fred Jones joined the Australian Dairy Farmers’ team as Operations Manager in August 2014, after assisting Australian Dairy Farmers in a business advisory capacity since March 2014. Fred brings a wealth of experience in both operational and project management to the role having worked in the commercial and retail environment for over 35 years with Coles and other iconic retail brands.
Fred was the Regional Administration Manager at Target, a position he held for six years, in an area that covered 80 sites across Victoria and Tasmania. Fred’s extensive knowledge in budget preparation, auditing and compliance management will be of benefit to ADF with our financial and governance requirements. Fred is also tasked with managing human resource functions and maintaining internal policies and procedures.
Fred has completed courses through the Governance Institute of Australia and Australian Institute of Company Directors and was appointed Company Secretary in June 2016.
Nathan has over 25 years of experience in stakeholder engagement and policy development, including 14 years working in strategic policy and regulation with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) in Canberra.
Growing up in Kyabram, Victoria, Nathan’s early exposure to the local dairy and horticulture industries instilled in him a lifelong passion for supporting farmers and rural communities.
Nathan’s experience includes working as an advisor with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry at Parliament House, Canberra. Additionally, working on high-profile government taskforces, including the Dairy Code of Conduct Taskforce, Levies Modernisation Taskforce, Regional Investment Corporation, Sugar Code of Conduct Implementation and Review Taskforce, and the reform of the Organic Exports Program.
Nathan holds qualifications in Business Management (Monash University), Project Management (CIT) and with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has extensive training in standards, regulation, administration and government, including as Lead Food Safety Auditor.
Patrick joined ADF in October 2011. He has an Accounting degree from the U.K. and has 28 years in the finance role where he has gained his experience from various industries.
With his Audit background, Patrick had a short stint with the United Nations Office for Project Services and moved on to Finance Manager roles in the publishing & membership industries before moving on to marketing & fashion industries as Financial Controller.
Throughout his career, Patrick has made significant contribution to the organisations he was with. This holds true since Patrick has joined ADF in its pursuit to improve the transparency of the organisation.
Justin has nearly 35 years’ experience in policy development, implementation and advocacy for the Australian livestock industry. He has been the Executive Director for Cattle Council of Australia, Chief Executive Officer for Red Meat Advisory Council, the Chair of Animal Health Australia’s Industry Forum and the Chair of the Advisory Group for the University of Queensland’s The Animal Welfare Collaborative.Â
Justin has been a director of his own consulting company since 2002 and has, among other things, been engaged as an Advisor to peak national livestock bodies on matters of animal health, welfare, biosecurity and industry systems. His current primary advisory role is with Australian Dairy Farmers.
© 2025 Australian Dairy Farmers Ltd. | All Rights Reserved | ADF Privacy Policy | Website Terms & Conditions