Meet the safety advocates

What’s a Safety Advocate?

If you’re here, it’s probably a person just like you!

A Safety Advocate is someone who loves working in or with the Australian commercial seafood industry. A person who loves their work and loves going home safely when they’re done.

Our Safety Advocates don’t mind the odd chat with others when the opportunity arises, and they often love sharing a good story.

When we host events or program initiatives, our Safety Advocates are often the people that can help us get a few people together around a barbie or the wharf for a yarn, a cuppa or a snag.

Sound like you?  Get in touch! 

Meet the Safety Advocates

Brett McCallum

Brett has more than 44 years of experience across the commercial fishing, pearling and aquaculture sectors. He served as CEO of the WA Fishing Industry Council and the Pearl Producers Association, and later worked as a fisheries consultant. He is a past Deputy Chair of the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation and was inducted into the National Seafood Industry Hall of Fame in 2022.

Brett has represented industry on numerous state and federal committees, with expertise in fisheries management, policy, natural resource management, consultation, economics and business. He has also held senior roles with MG Kailis Group, Broome Pearls and Lombardo Seafoods.

He currently serves as a Commissioner for the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Chair of the FRDC Research Advisory Committee (WA), Consultant for Safety and Training at the WA Fishing Industry Council, and Director of a private fisheries consulting business. He is committed to inclusive industry leadership and supporting the next generation.

Julie Petty

In early 2024, Julie Petty took on the role of General Manager, Policy and Projects after two years as SIA’s Aquaculture Policy and Project Officer. Julie Petty has more than 16 years of project management experience working in Australian agriculture, predominantly horticulture and red meat. Julie has on-the-ground experience with practical research, development and extension (RDE) theory from her work with the Australian goatmeat industry and Meat and Livestock Australia where she managed the goat RDE program.

Julie can be contacted on jp@seafoodindustryaustralia.com.au or via mobile on 0438 165 218.

What you can expect as a Safety Advocate

  • Join a lightweight, industry-owned network
    The group is kept simple and practical, with short, regular online meet-ups and clear membership guidelines.
  • Share your experience and learn from others
    This is a place to talk openly about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change – without judgement or pressure.
  • Help co-design tools and messages
    Safety works best when it’s built by the people who actually do the job. Friends help shape resources that are useful in real life.
  • Be part of a supportive peer network
    You’ll connect with other people across different fisheries, regions, and roles – including early-career voices – so we can learn together.
  • Gain recognition for leadership
    Safety Advocates receive acknowledgement for their contribution to safety and have a direct channel to influence priorities and future programs.

What we ask of you

  • Participate in regular, short online huddles
  • Share honest feedback and real-life experiences
  • Help identify risks and suggest practical solutions