Ian Thompson is First Assistant Secretary of the Sustainable Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Division in the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. Thompson is responsible for sustainable agriculture policies and programs, fisheries, forestry, agricultural and veterinary chemicals, community and Indigenous engagement, and the Landcare movement.

Thompson was previously been responsible for biosecurity policy and emergency response, plant industry policy, field crop issues, plant health, native title, drought management, water infrastructure and water reform, rural adjustment, rural leadership and rural research issues.

Thompson has a Bachelor of Natural Resources from the University of New England and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program.