The Australian Society of Soil Science Incorporated, known as Soil Science Australia is a not-for-profit, professional association for soil scientists and people interested in the responsible management of Australia’s soil resources. Soil Science Australia supports soil scientists and promotes the importance of soil as a finite resource. Some members are students, some are at the start of their careers while others are highly regarded experts in Australia and internationally. We have seven branches and are governed by an elected Federal Council. Each branch has its own committee responsible for organising local educational, professional development and networking events. Soil Science Australia is a member of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) and contributes to the National Committee on Soil and Terrain (NCST).
Soil Science Australia’s governing body is the Federal Council, consisting of the Executive Committee, the President of each of the seven branches, and the Chair of the Certified Professional Soil Scientist Board.
The Hon. Penny Wensley AC, has been the Patron of Soil Science Australia since 2012.
She was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in May 2024. The IUSS medal recognises world leaders who have translated soil science into action, and who have contributed significantly to the promotion and reinforcement of public policies for soil resource preservation.
Ms Wensley served as Australia’s National Soils Advocate between August 2020 and August 2023, and is former Governor of Queensland and distinguished Australian diplomat.
Ms Wensley’s interest in soils, soil health and sustainability dates from the early 1990’s, when she was Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment. In this role, she championed Australia’s interests at the landmark 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) and was a key contributor to the negotiation of the three major environmental treaties launched by the UNCED process: the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Biodiversity Convention and the Convention to Combat Drought and Desertification. This experience—and serving as Chairman of the first UN Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States—established a deep conviction of the importance of managing our natural resources in a sustainable way.
She is a member of the Food and Agriculture Organization (of the United Nation)’s Global Soil Partnership and is an active participant in CA4SH—the International Coalition of Action for Soil Health—an outcome of the UN Food Systems Summit.
As State Governor, Ms Wensley was active in promoting environmental knowledge and awareness and was a strong supporter of community groups and organisations involved with environmental management, conservation and protection, including as State Patron of Queensland Water and Land Carers.
During her six-year tenure as Governor, seeing first-hand the impact of the succession of droughts, floods and cyclones experienced by the State, including the biggest storm ever to hit Queensland, Cyclone Yasi in 2011, strengthened her commitment to advocating for sustainability and better management of Australia’s natural assets.
Ms Wensley is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of International Affairs and an Honorary Fellow of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand. She is a Director of the Lowy Institute and former Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Advisory Committee.
She is also Patron of, the Soil Cooperative Research Centre, and the Australian Organics Recycling Association.
Soil Science Australia is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 of the Australian Capital Territory.
Click here for list of past Federal Office Bearers since 1956.
| Branch Presidents | |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Dr Jason Reynolds |
| Riverina | Dr Shamsul Haque |
| South Australia | Dr Erinne Stirling |
| Tasmania | Dr Richard Doyle CPSS |
| Victoria | Dr Gary Clark CPSS |
| Western Australia | Dr George Mercer |
| Queensland | Dr Stirling Robertson |
| Training Board | |
|---|---|
| Board Chair | Dr Robert Loch CPSS |
| Deputy Chair | Dr Andrew Biggs CPSS |
| Dr Darren Kidd | |
| Dr Bhwana Bhatta | |
| Belinda Nielsen | |
| Professor Damien Field | |
| Dr Brett Thomas | |
| Dr Pamela Hazelton CPSS | |
| Dr Ivanah Oliver | |
| Mr Cameron Leckie RSP-SM |
| Accreditation Board Members | |
|---|---|
| Chair | Dr Leigh Sullivan CPSS |
| Deputy Chair | Dr Emily Leyden |
| Dr Pam Hazelton CPSS | |
| Ms Helena Woolums | |
| Dr Jason Reynolds | |
| Dr Evan Thomas CPSS | |
| A/Prof Lyn Abbot | |
| Dr Kylie Hailes CPSS CSAM |
