INSPECTION WITH A DIFFERENCE

We provide exceptional service by focusing on our core values.

We are the # 1 meat inspection service in Australia.

Delivering the highest standards of meat safety

Meat Inspectors is built on a longstanding expertise in recruiting, employing, supporting and managing staff for the Australian meat industry.

Meat Inspectors is built on a longstanding expertise in recruiting, employing, supporting and managing staff for the Australian meat industry.

Every year, our team inspect an average of 2.3 million head of cattle, 5.9 million lamb and sheep, 780,000 goats, 384,000 field kangaroos, 57,200 farmed rabbits, and occasionally deer.

Meat Inspectors proudly work with our process partners to provide independent meat inspection to ensure their continued access to premium markets.

We help our clients to maintain and improve meat inspection productivity by ensuring ongoing coordination between our processing partners and the Department of Agriculture.

Clients rely on our services to assist them to maintain market access for more than $5.61 billion in product, which is exported to more than 110 different markets every day.

We are leaders in innovation and driving increased productivity in the meat certification sector, allowing participants to seize future opportunities throughout the supply chain.

We are determined to protect market access for Australian red meat producers and processors in ways which can be quantified by our clients.

We proudly work closely with our valued clients to facilitate uninterrupted market access through independent expert meat inspection services, underpinned by systems designed and monitored by the Federal Government.

Meat Inspectors has ISO17020 NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accreditation for Independent Inspection Services.

Our Vision: We ensure meat products are safe to eat.

Our Values

Our values underpin everything we do and are the cornerstone of our culture.

Respect

  • We treat people as we expect to be treated.
  • We care about the welfare of the animal and call out actions that do not meet acceptable standards.
  • We follow our processes because that is how we protect our client’s brand and ensure Australian meat products are safe to eat.
  • We recognise the different roles we play and go out of our way to support our colleagues.

Commitment

  • We do what we say we will do.
  • We don’t make excuses and understand we are accountable for our actions and the promises we make.
  • We show up and do whatever it takes to get the job done and safely.
  • Sometimes this means putting in longer hours or extra effort and we do it because we won’t let our colleagues or the client down.
  • We are loyal to our team and in return our team is loyal to us.

Trust

  • Our colleagues know we’ve got their back and they’ve got ours.
  • We do the best job we can and our clients know they can rely on our judgement.
  • We behave in such a way that people know they can believe what we tell them is true.
  • We display attention to detail in all that we do.

Courage

  • We back our judgment and defend the decisions we make. We stand up for what we believe in regardless of who we are dealing with.
  • We admit our mistakes and do what’s needed to fix them.
  • We have the tough conversations, even though it may be difficult.
  • We hold our colleagues to account and call out poor performance or behaviour inconsistent with our values.

Growth

  • We are committed to continual learning and take pride in being good at what we do.
  • We are curious and look for ways Meat Inspectors can provide a better service.
  • We regularly ask for feedback on ways we can improve.
  • We do our best to help our colleagues to learn and grow.

Meet Our Team

Cameron Dart

CEO

Cameron began his working life on his family’s sheep, cattle and crop farm business where he developed a love of the land and a passion for the industry.

His first role outside of the family business was working as a Jackaroo before attending University where he acquired Diploma of Applied Science (Stock and Meat Inspection & Animal Science) from the University of Queensland.

After graduating, he returned to work in the meat sector where he filled the roles of Stock and Meat Inspector before working with the Meat Standards Australia grading program for Meat and Livestock Australia.

Following this, Cameron became a Director in a large recruitment and training firm with a strong focus on sourcing and attraction programs for large food processing companies.

After 21 year’s experience across food production and processing, Cameron founded Meat Inspectors in 2013 when he saw an opportunity to drive real change in the face of regulatory change.

He is a firm believer in the importance of building strong links with partners at all levels. His hands-on experience as a Meat Inspector and in-depth knowledge of recruitment and HR processes, systems development, implementation, and industry liaison provide a strong base for understanding the challenges the industry faces.

Cameron is the current Chair of the Industry Skills Council, Meat Industry Reference Committee with the Federal Department of Education and Training.

Cameron is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director's Course. He has participated in the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation program and has held several leadership roles in his community through his local Show Society.

Katie Wheildon

Financial Controller

Katie began her working life in the family clothing manufacturing business, where she spent a decade learning about business, management, and finance.

After completing a Bachelor of Business from the University of Queensland, Katie went on to run her own accounting business, where she and her partner worked with a range of clients undertaking contract bookkeeping for small businesses.

Before starting work at Meat Inspectors in 2018, Katie spent three years as the Financial Controller of a construction business overseeing all areas of their financial management.

At Meat Inspectors Katie is responsible for the complete financial management of the business, as well as high level strategic planning, financial reporting and analysis, compliance, budgeting, overseeing payroll and cashflow.

With an aptitude for numbers and a passion for systems, she is passionate about getting into the detail of a business and supporting it to grow. Her attention to detail and ability to build a rapport with people is a real asset with clients and staff.

John Milton

Technical Advisor

A fifth-generation wool grower, John has spent his whole life working in the meat sector as a producer, processor and service provider. John, who holds the role of Technical Advisor, joined Meat Inspectors in August 2013, having worked with CEO Cameron Dart since March 2011. He now manages the Quality System for the company.

Coming from a rural background and with 40 years’ experience working in livestock, John has a comprehensive knowledge of the meat sector from paddock to plate.

He appreciates and understands the challenges faced by livestock producers and knows how to speak their language. His time in the industry has also seen John develop strong communication and creative thinking skills.

John holds an Advanced Certificate in Stock and Meat Inspection from Queensland Agricultural College (now University of Queensland) as well as qualifications in Quality Management Systems, HACCP, Occupational Health & Safety Management, Training and Assessing and is a Lead Auditor in Food Safety.

He is also a Professional Member of the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Incorporated.

Kurt Matiu

Northern Regional Manager

Kurt joined Meat Inspectors in September 2014 as an Australian Authorised Officer (AAO). His dedication and commitment to his role has seen him progress through our ranks to Northern Regional Manager (Northern NSW and Queensland) in January 2018.

While at high school, Kurt started working at his local meat works and on leaving school decided to build a career in the meat industry, starting as a knife hand.

He relocated to Australia from New Zealand in 2009 and worked on the line in Brisbane for 5 years, moving up from labourer to an A Grade Slaughterman.

Kurt’s thorough knowledge of the sector and commitment to his roles, led to new opportunities including tutoring new slaughter hands and training as an Authorised Australian Officer.

He joined Meat Inspectors in September 2014 working as an AAO, before spending a year as Leading Hand and ultimately taking on the role as Northern Regional Manager. He now manages teams across two states, embracing the variety and challenges of his role.

Kurt is a strong leader and an outstanding communicator, who finds satisfaction in finding solutions to complex problems.

Ryan Cowley

Southern Regional Manager

Ryan has worked in the Meat industry for his entire professional career of 15 years, building expansive knowledge and a strong passion for the ‘Paddock to plate’ pathway.

He has worked in all areas of the meat processing system including Slaughter, Boning, Butchery as well as Meat Inspection, Quality Assurance and Production Leadership.

Prior to joining Meat Inspectors, Ryan spent 5 ½ years in the consulting space as the Program Lead for all technical training and consulting across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Central and Southern NSW, and the Northern Territory.

Southern Regional Manager for Meat Inspectors

His deep knowledge of operational systems, management ability and technical skills

Ryan is passionate about leading teams through positive culture and delegates work according to strengths and weaknesses of team members.

Don Rankin

Training Coordinator

A veteran of the meat industry with over 35 years’ experience, Don started as a knife hand and worked his way up to a slaughterman. After 10 years he was promoted to kill floor manager, during this time he completed Diploma in Meat Technology from Massey University NZ.

Don then took on a role as production manager, supervising operations and coaching and developing employees, purchasing and forecasting.

After relocating to Australia in 2005 Don owned a share in a meat production business for 6 years. He gained invaluable experience in quality control and systems management, operational planning and the ability to motivate and lead a large team, combining the ability to define clear goals and consistently achieve targets.

Don went on to work at a number of other meat processing companies managing teams while completing his Cert IV Training and Assessment, Cert IV Meat Processing (safety).

He joined Meat Inspectors in 2020 initially as an AAO, and was soon moved into the training coordinator role, where he now manages all the AAO trainees. His role includes ensuring all the trainees are on track to compete their training and mentoring the new recruits.

Don is a proactive, energetic and results focused, and his leadership and management experience within the meat processing industry as well as his practical knowledge, make him a valuable member of the team.

Paul MacDonald

Area Manager - QLD

Paul has worked in the meat industry for 29 years. After 25 years as an A Grade Slaughterman and Tutor in the Brisbane area Paul decided to train as an Authorised Australian Officer with Meat Inspectors. Paul is also an Ausmeat accredited Chiller Assessor and MSA grader.

He spent three years on the floor undertaking AAO duties, two of them as Leading Hand where his responsibilities included leading an onsite team, overseeing daily activities, liaising with the client, and meeting the expectations of the business.

Paul became Area Manager – QLD in 2020 expanding the scope of the work he does for Meat Inspectors.

His role incorporates managing the needs of both clients and staff, coaching trainees and even on the tools sometimes. Paul enjoys the challenges in his role and the ultimate reward at delivering exceptional outcomes.

Luke Harris

Area Manager - NSW

Luke spent 3 years as a Slaughterman straight out of high school. Discovering a passion for the industry he went on to complete his butchery apprentice, where he honed his knife skills at a large supermarket chain. He soon was promoted through the ranks, starting as 2IC and moving to become Meat Manager within only a few years.

After 6 years gaining valuable experience in management including budgeting, rostering, ordering, quality control, staff management and customer service, Luke was looking for a new challenge.

Luke trained as an AAO with Meat Inspectors in 2015, a perfect career opportunity to upskill and gain another qualification. Within a year he became Leading Hand and in 2020 moved into the Area Manager NSW role.

He thrives on the daily challenges his role presents and applies his learnings to all aspects of his role including rostering, training, and client and team communication.

His commitment and ability to build strong relationships makes him a great manager who is capable of producing results.

Angelo Dalisay

Area Manager – SA

Angelo graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) majoring in Animal Science at Notre Dame of Marbel University in the Philippines.

He began his career at the local Government in quality control, while training to become a skilled butcher and later a Deputised Meat Inspector for the National Meat inspection Service. He continued upskilling in the Philippines, becoming an accredited trainer and opening the government’s national training centre.

Angelo moved from the Philippines in 2018 to work as an AAO with Meat Inspectors. Within a year of working as an AAO, Angelo moved up into a roving position, gaining a deep understanding of many Meat Inspectors’ sites. His attention to details and expertise led to his current position as Area Manger- SA.

In his current role, Angelo maintains multiple sites according to our stringent management plan, leads from the front with our training and values, and helps to build high-performing, confident, and competent teams.

He also helps to onboard new sites and problem solves where required across the southern region.

Edward Allen

Area Manager - VIC

Committed, goal-oriented and hardworking, Edward has a strong background in food auditing, team leadership and customer service.

He has been an Australian Authorised Officer since 2009, having previously worked as a slaughter hand/labourer.

Edward started working for Meat Inspectors in 2020 and was soon identified as valued team member due to his exceptional standards and strong commitment to the companies values.

He is an experienced trainer and supervisor and moved to a roving position before taking on the Area Manager – VIC within 12 months.

A decisive communicator with proven problem-solving, leadership and planning abilities, Edward is focused on delivering results for the clients, while ensuring the teams maintain their high standards.

Jacqui Queay

Payroll

Jacqui has been with Meat Inspectors for over two years, where her primary role is to process all staff pay slips and invoices clients.

The data-driven role maintains and updates all our payroll information. Jacqui’s responsible for keeping track of taxable income, deductions and staff leave.

Jacqui also sets up new staff and financially manages apprenticeships and various administration tasks.

Prior to that she worked in accounts, notably for the Broncos Rugby League team in Brisbane.

Lynn Hanan

Accounts/Admin

With 21 years bookkeeping and accounting experience, Lynn has a passion for accuracy and getting the job done.

Starting her accounting career as a bookkeeper, she soon moved on to Practice Manager at a prominent accounting firm. Lynn spent the next 3 years in similar roles before moving on to undertaking internal bookkeeping where she performed duties such as BAS preparation, activity statements, payroll, staff training and general office management.

She is proficient across a number of software packages including Microsoft Office, MYOB, Quickbooks, Xero, Core IPS, Handisoft and Reckon.

A skilled member of the team, Lynn is hardworking, honest and reliable, making her an asset to our team.

Hayley Petith

Operations Coordinator

With a love for the agriculture industry and country life, Hayley is a perfect fit for Meat Inspectors.

She graduated from High School in 2018 and worked in a few roles before ending up as a Pen Rider, where she undertook tasks such as unloading trucks, penning and feeding cattle.

This role soon led to becoming a trainee meat inspector and then a qualified AAO. After 6 months as a Meat Inspector, Hayley was offered the opportunity to become the Operations Coordinator.

She now works closely with the Regional and Area Managers to support them in areas such as coordinating AAO placement and travel and administrative duties.

Hayley is a motivated person, who is able to get the job done. Her organisation and communications skills ensure she delivers results to a high standard.

History

  • 2009

    The Department of Agriculture, made a commitment to the industry to drive toward full cost recovery of the meat inspection services, thus becoming a full cost to meat processors.
  • 2013

    CEO Cameron Dart launches Australia’s first independent Fee-for-Service supplier of meat inspection services for a Queensland based client, in charge of delivering their entire meat inspection services.

  • 2014

    Meat Inspectors starts working across Australia and replicating their successful work in Queensland.
  • 2019

    Meat Inspectors continues to grow and secure market share, employing more staff and providing meat inspection services to more clients.