Our Board
WDTA is guided by a committee of experienced industry leaders — scientists, toxicologists, and business owners who’ve spent decades in workplace drug and alcohol testing. Together, they set the direction for the association and champion the standards that keep Australasia’s workplaces safe.
Nigel Burr
Nigel Burr brings a strategic, industry‑wide perspective to his role as Chairperson of the Workplace Drug Testing Association (WDTA). With extensive experience working with organisations operating in safety‑critical, regulated and high‑risk environments, Nigel is strongly focused on strengthening governance, professionalism and consistency across workplace drug and alcohol testing in Australasia.
As Chair, Nigel is committed to ensuring WDTA continues to operate as a credible and respected peak body—representing the collective voice of providers, suppliers and stakeholders, while constructively engaging with regulators, standards bodies and government. He believes the long‑term success of the industry depends on clear standards, practical application, and a balanced approach that supports both safety outcomes and commercial realities.
Ann-Louise Anderson
Ann-Louise is a biochemistry science graduate with a long career across several multinational clinical diagnostics manufacturers. With a focus on abused and therapeutic drug monitoring, both POCT and laboratory diagnostics, Ann-Louise has worked in multiple trans Tasman senior management roles.
A nominated member of CH039 and CH036 since the 1990s. Currently, owner and director of Inscience Limited NZ, who supply test products, support, consult and training in the workplace drug testing industry across NZ. Also the co-owner, and technical lead, for Drugwise testing group who supply drug testing services NZ wide.
Ellie Dianati
Ellie Dianati is a commercial leader with broad experience across national and international markets. She has led complex businesses through growth and change and brings strong capabilities in strategy, governance, and stakeholder engagement. She currently leads Abbott’s Toxicology business across ANZ and the Pacific and serves on the WDTA Board. Ellie contributes a practical, business-focused perspective to the Board, with a strong commitment to advancing best practice across the workplace drug testing sector.
Timothy Walker
Timothy Walker is Co-Founder and Strategic Director of Global Risk Group, and an Advisory Board Member and Distributor for Neopharma Technologies Ltd. He supports organisations across workplace drug and alcohol testing, WHS compliance, safety program design, enterprise deployment and commercial strategy. Through GRG, Timothy works closely with safety-critical industries to deliver practical, standards-aligned testing and Fit-for-Duty programs across Australia and New Zealand.
Prior to GRG, he held a senior leadership role at Swisse Wellness, driving commercial growth across global markets.
Ashley Freedman
Ashley Freedman is the Managing Director of Royal Medical Supplies, a specialist provider of workplace drug and alcohol testing products across Australia and New Zealand. A Chartered Accountant by background, Ashley has held senior finance and commercial leadership roles across the healthcare sector.
Ashley is proud to be involved with the WDTA, which plays an instrumental role in representing members’ interests in the development of Australian and New Zealand workplace testing standards. He values the support the WDTA provides to members in understanding, interpreting and applying the Standards in practical workplace settings.
Steve Korkoneas
Steve is a Workplace Forensic Toxicologist, specialising in Workplace Alcohol and other Drug Testing (AOD) Programs.
Steve has over 30 years’ experience in AOD, providing policy, technical and analytical expertise across all alcohol and other drug testing and training services.
Richard Varnish
Richard has over 15 years experience in the Workplace Alcohol & Other Drug testing industry, eight of those as the Managing Director (owner) of Advanced Drug Solutions.
Richard looks forward to bringing his experiences in managing previous teams on a national basis, and business owner to the board of the WDTA. These experiences cover the full range of services many of WDTA members are involved with on a daily basis, including policy development, implementation, training and managing testing programmes for large and small business.