A biologist with specialist knowledge in business and the environment, Dr Lin Roberts, has been appointed to the
Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA), Environment Minister, Marian Hobbs, announced today.
Dr Roberts replaces Mrs Helen Hughes, former Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, whose term expires on 31
December. The appointment is for two years.
Marian Hobbs said the completion of Mrs Hughes' term presented an opportunity to re-evaluate the balance of experience
and knowledge on the Authority to ensure it is well set up for its future work.
"Having an experienced biologist on the Board will be particularly useful in assisting the work ERMA is doing,
especially in relation to its responsibilities with regard to genetic modification," Marian Hobbs said.
ERMA is an expert body established under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act. Its primary purpose is to
protect people from the risks of hazardous substances and new organisms by assessing, approving or declining
applications to import or manufacture new organisms and hazardous substances.
In approving a hazardous substance, ERMA can set comprehensive controls on the use, handling, transport, storage and
disposal of the substance controls that everyone must abide by.
Biography of the new member.
Dr Lin Roberts is currently a Director of Business and Environment Consultants, a consultancy offering research,
teaching, implementation and advisory services on all issues relating to business and the environment, and selected work
in the science sector. Dr Roberts has experience and knowledge in sustainable business and has advised various companies
and local authorities on implementing cleaner production. Dr Roberts has extensive experience in the public sector and
has been actively involved in areas such as resource management, waste management, and genetic modification. She also
has an academic background in zoology and ecology.