Outstanding public service in leadership and reform within Victoria’s agriculture sector

Mr Dougal Purcell’s extraordinary leadership as a senior executive in Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has had a transformative impact on Victoria’s agriculture sector and rural communities, particularly during periods of crisis and transition.

Mr Purcell’s outstanding service is characterised by his ability to lead complex, whole-of-government responses that deliver practical, community-focused outcomes. He has championed a collaborative ‘one government’ approach, uniting government agencies, industry, local councils and communities to ensure policy and program delivery is grounded in real-world needs.

Mr Purcell has led major responses to significant challenges facing the agriculture sector, including drought, floods, fires, the COVID-19 pandemic and industry shocks.

Notable achievements include:

• establishing and chairing the Agriculture Industry Reference Group during COVID-19 to coordinate sector-wide communication
• leading engagement with communities impacted by the 2019–20 and 2026 bushfires
• overseeing the 2022 flood response and recovery support in northern Victoria
• and playing a central role in supporting the dairy sector during the milk price crisis.

Most recently, he was instrumental in establishing the Premier’s Drought Taskforce and delivering a drought support package in response to the 2024–25 drought.

A defining feature of Mr Purcell’s leadership is his hands-on, people-centred approach. His leadership has been pivotal in modernising business systems, driving the adoption of new technologies, and improving the accessibility and effectiveness of services for farmers and rural businesses. He is widely respected for his integrity, empathy and willingness to engage directly with farmers, industry and regional communities, resulting in tailored support for vulnerable groups and improved trust in government.

Mr Purcell’s leadership has strengthened Agriculture Victoria and the Victorian Government, delivering lasting benefits for rural communities, and set a benchmark for excellence in public service focused on outcomes, resilience and community wellbeing.