The University of Queensland congratulates the State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh on receiving a PhD from the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
Mr McVeigh’s award was conferred last month for his thesis on Influencing sustainable water use in Australian irrigated agriculture: a value chain management approach.
“When I decided to commence PhD studies through the Commonwealth Research Centre for Irrigation Futures in 2005, I was fortunate indeed to be accepted at UQ Gatton and to have Professor Ray Collins as my supervisor,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Balancing family and career commitments with PhD study is an enormous challenge.
“Fortunately I was able to submit my thesis for examination prior to being elected in March this year.”
Mr McVeigh said he found his postgraduate degree beneficial when developing the recently released State Government’s 30 year Agriculture Strategy, which aims to double the value of food production by 2040.
“As we develop the 30 year Agriculture Strategy for Queensland I will be in a stronger position after my studies to encourage all stakeholders of the entire value chains – national and international – that our industries must operate and compete within,” Mr McVeigh said.
“Postgraduate research is all about employing an open and enquiring mind; analysing large amounts of information and data; engaging in constructive debate with others who may hold differing views; and a focus on securing optimal solutions to the problems.
“It is those skills together with my practical and professional background that I bring to my electorate and portfolio responsibilities and the State of Queensland.”
Mr McVeigh joins a cohort of more than 7000 students graduating from The University of Queensland this month.
This graduating cohort is joining a group of more than 200,000 distinguished UQ alumni, many of whom are pursuing careers around the world while staying connected with UQ.
About 5700 students will be attending the official graduation ceremonies to be broadcast live here.
Five honorary doctorates will be awarded, including Emeritus Professor Robert Milns AM, Dr Jean Calder AC, Professor Dennis Liotta, Mr Andrew Petrie and Dr Samuel Hawgood.
The University of Queensland is one of Australia's leading teaching and research institutions and continues to attract the vast majority of the state's highest academic achievers.
Mr McVeigh thanked his family for their support throughout his PhD studies.
“I wouldn’t have been able to complete my studies without the encouragement of my supervisor and in particular the unwavering support from my wife Anita and our children,” he said.
Timetable of all UQ end-of-year graduation events can be found here.
For information on other graduation ceremonies, please contact Belinda Berry (07 3365 3439 or b.berry2@uq.edu.au).
