www.raa.nsw.gov.au
Ahead of the NSW state election on 25 March 2023, the NSW Government caretaker period has commenced. Limited updates will be made to this website during this period.
The RAA’s organisational structure allows for a flexible and responsive customer service focus and ensures assistance is provided to rural communities and small businesses effectively and efficiently.
The NSW Rural Assistance Authority Board is accountable to the Minister for Agriculture and is responsible for: reporting to the Minister on the effectiveness of programs of assistance; the performance of the Authority in the delivery of assistance; and determining the general policies of the Authority. In undertaking these functions, the Board aims to ensure that the activities of the Authority are carried out properly and efficiently.
The RAA Board charter is in place to guide the activity and focus of the Board and set out how the Board will operate.
Chief Executive of the RAA, Mr Darren Budworth is responsible for leading the organisation and provides a link between the Board members who are independent, and the Government.
Mr Tim Gippel FGIA, Manager Policy & Governance, leads policy development and delivery, and with his team provides advice to the RAA’s Director and Board, Ministers and Department on programs, financial assistance and rural adjustment schemes. Tim also manages the Board secretariat, oversees the Farm Debt Mediation Unit and the RAA Audit and Risk Committee.
Mr Adam Tomlinson leads a team that focusses on everything related to the ‘front end’ of program administration: connecting with our customers and stakeholders, accepting and assessing applications and submitting applications for payment.
Ms Justine Dimond leads a team that focuses on all activities related to the ‘after approval’ operations of program administration, including loan documentation, loan finalisation and arrears management. Justine also leads project management for both new and existing programs, including the system build, implementation & process improvements of programs being delivered by RAA.
Mr James Ovenstone is responsible for strategic reporting for the RAA and manages key relationships including with NSW Treasury, DRNSW’s Corporate Finance, Strategy and Policy, and Corporate Service Partners (CSP) . James also has a key role in managing and monitoring financial risk for the RAA.