New boss for Australian Antarctic Division

Former vet and senior government scientific adviser, Nick Gales, has been named the new boss of the Australian Antarctic Division.

Federal environment department secretary Gordon de Brouwer on Thursday announced the appointment, which will fill the vacancy left by retiring director Tony Fleming.

"(Dr Gales) has an in depth understanding of the scientific, operational and policy responsibilities of Australia's Antarctic program and brings on-ground Antarctic and Southern Ocean experience to this role," Dr de Brouwer said.