In February Mr de Hayr will begin work as the new executive director for sustainable agriculture in the DPI&F's Strategic Directions business unit.

"Brett brings with him a wealth of knowledge and good relationships with industry groups and central government agencies that he has developed during his time at AgForce," Mr Mulherin said.

"However, it must be emphasised that Brett will not be representing the views of AgForce in his new position.

"Rather, he will be helping to develop and implement government policy that supports the food, fibre and fishing sectors.

"He will be responsible for developing sustainable agriculture policies as well as policies to guide the department's obligations in whole-of-government initiatives around the Reef Plan:– climate change, regional planning and Caring for Our Country."

AgForce president John Cotter said Mr de Hayr's secondment to the Department was an innovative and creative move that would facilitate the development of policies that integrate an industry perspective into government priorities.

"During his time with AgForce, Brett steered a number of policy initiatives that changed the way AgForce interacted and engaged with governments which in turn bolstered the organisation's status with government and the community," Mr Cotter said.

"Brett instigated the Every Family Needs A Farmer campaign to help reconnect the city and the bush, and developed strategic policy initiatives to deal with leasehold tenure, mining and transport issues.

"Through input from people such as Brett, AgForce has evolved in recent years and it will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the rural sector and retain its position as one of the leading rural organisations in Australia."