Why Woolgrowers Must Vote in the 2025 AWI Director Election

As the 2025 Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) Director election approaches, woolgrowers across the country are being urged to take part in shaping the future of their industry. There are three board positions up for election and five candidates vying for those seats and given the current situation that the industry is in, this is a critical moment for woolgrowers to have their say on the leadership and direction of AWI.

Voting is voluntary, but there is too much at stake to let apathy determine the outcome. In the last election, only 1,686 shareholders cast their votes. When you consider that at that time there were 40,387 eligible levy payers (those that had paid more than $100 in levies during the previous three-year period), that was a small fraction (4.2%) of eligible levy payers participating in the election.

This year, WoolProducers Australia is calling on all woolgrowers to engage in the process and vote for candidates who will bring the skills, transparency, accountability, and vision needed to guide AWI through a challenging and evolving landscape.

Among the five candidates, Dr Michelle Humphries is seeking re-election, while four others: Mr Chris Mirams, Mr Anthony Uren, Dr Paul Swan, and Mr Drew Chapman; are new contenders.

WoolProducers has made its own independent recommendation, urging growers to vote for Dr Humphries, Mr Uren, and Dr Paul Swan. This recommendation is based on a merit-based assessment of the candidates’ responses to key industry questions and their potential to bring much-needed technical, research, and governance expertise to the board.

AWI plays a central role in the wool industry, managing levy-funded research, development, and marketing programs. The board sets the strategic direction and culture of the organisation, making decisions that directly impact woolgrowers’ businesses and the industry’s future.

WoolProducers continues to stress that maintaining the status quo is no longer viable for the wool industry. With the sector contracting and pressure mounting on those who remain, it is clear that AWI’s culture and strategic direction must change. This year’s director election presents a vital opportunity for board renewal and meaningful cultural change—an outcome WoolProducers believes is urgently needed to ensure the organisation remains relevant, responsive, and accountable to levy payers, and more importantly that the industry remains viable.

WoolProducers undertook a thorough process to assess the candidates, sending each a set of questions covering governance, research and development priorities, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and industry challenges. All candidates responded, and WoolProducers expressed appreciation for their engagement.

The recommendation of Dr Humphries, Dr Swan, and Mr Uren reflects a desire to complement the existing board’s skill set with fresh perspectives and technical expertise. WoolProducers believes these candidates will help position the industry for future success and ensure AWI delivers on its mandate to serve levy payers.

Importantly, WoolProducers is also urging growers not to allocate their proxies to the Chair, particularly undirected proxies. This is your opportunity as a grower to vote for who you think will best serve the wool industry, it’s too important to leave to someone else to direct your vote. In saying that there is a requirement to appoint a proxy, I will be attending the meeting, and I will be happy to act as proxy for shareholders – but please make sure that you exercise your right to vote. For transparency though if undirected proxies are received, I will be voting in accordance with the WoolProducers recommendations.

Beyond electing directors, shareholders will also vote on a resolution to limit the board size to seven and on proposed changes to AWI’s constitution, including the removal of outdated references to the repealed Wool Services Privatisation Act 2000. While WoolProducers does not hold a formal position on either of these resolutions, in previous years WoolProducers have opted to keep the board size at seven in the interests of keeping board costs down and with regard to the constitutional change, it appears that these are changes aimed to ensure the constitution reflects current legislation. It is very disappointing that there was minimal information provided by AWI to shareholders to explain this, however it is a great example of the need for and importance of transparency by the AWI Board.

Additionally, a new Chair will be appointed following the AGM. While this is a decision of the AWI Board, the Board must be consider appointing a Chair who is most willing to work with the whole industry and not someone who can be directed by small subsets of industry who may have vested interests. This transition marks a pivotal moment for AWI, and the incoming directors will play a key role in setting the tone for future leadership.

Ballot papers were distributed to registered shareholders on 6 October. Proxies must be returned to AWI by 10am on 12 November. The Annual General Meeting will be held on 14 November, where votes will be counted and the new board members announced.

AWI has encouraged all shareholders to participate, noting that how they vote or allocate proxies is entirely up to them. But with so much at stake, WoolProducers is calling on growers to take an active role in shaping the future of their industry.

The wool industry is facing significant challenges from market pressures and climate variability to policy changes impacting the industry’s operating environment and shifting consumer expectations. Strong, skilled leadership is essential to navigate these complexities and ensure the industry remains viable and competitive.

By voting in the AWI Director election, woolgrowers can help steer the organisation toward greater transparency, innovation, and responsiveness. This is not just a procedural exercise—it’s a chance to influence the future of wool in Australia.

WoolProducers thanks all candidates for their commitment to the industry and encourages every eligible grower to cast their vote. Your voice matters. Your vote counts. Let’s make it heard.

Jo Hall,

CEO WoolProducers Australia