Media Releases

WPA Urges Growers to Vote in 2009 WoolPoll — 2/10/2009

Peak woolgrower body WoolProducers Australia is calling for all woolgrowers to vote in the upcoming WoolPoll, which will set the rate of compulsory wool levies for the next three years.

“It is important that every grower who pays wool tax takes the time to vote in the upcoming WoolPoll,” said Mr Hamblin. “The alternative is that other producers will determine how much levy they will pay.”

“There has been concern that disenchantment from growers about wool would contribute to a low voter turnout. I would be disappointed if this was the case because at such a critical time for the industry growers need to make their voice heard.”

On the issue of what levy rates growers should support, Mr Hamblin revealed that the members of WPA Executive would not recommend a specific rate to vote for. Instead, WPA is encouraging growers to assess the recent AWI Review of Performance (ROP) and the Voter Information Kit to decide what rate of levy they are willing to contribute.

“WPA supports the principle of a collective wool industry levy to fund research, development and marketing where there is a failure in the market,” said Mr Hamblin. “So on that basis we are asking growers for a positive vote.”

“The recent ROP identified serious problems within the governance of AWI, but we believe that these problems can be fixed. The first priority is to ensure we continue to have a wool industry service provider, the second is to action the recommendations of the ROP to ensure we get a return on our investment.”

“The ROP has made 11 recommendations that the consultants considered essential to address the structural and governance issues at AWI. What growers need now from the company is a clear indication as to what recommendations it will pursue to help them make their decision.”

Contacts: 
Don Hamblin (President)   (h) 02 6833 4428       (m) 0429 334 428
Greg Weller (Executive Director)  (w) 02 6273 2531      (m) 0438 846 752