Peak woolgrower representative body, WoolProducers Australia (WoolProducers) has met to consider which nominees to recommend for the upcoming Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) director election and have determined that growers consider voting for Mr Edward Storey, Mr Steve McGuire and Mr George Millington.
WoolProducers President, Mr Steve Harrison has said, “In making this recommendation WoolProducers have considered that these three candidates will complement the existing skill set on the current AWI Board”.
Like in previous years, WoolProducers have written to each of the nominees seeking responses to what the WoolProducers Board considered key issues pertinent to the industry.
“The themes of these questions covered issues such as governance, RD&M priorities, stakeholder engagement, collaboration with WoolProducers and industry opportunities and threats, to gain an understanding of the candidate's views on these important issues.” Mr Harrison said.
In considering the suitability of candidates, WoolProducers also took a principled and merit-based approach to this decision, with consideration given to industry and supply-chain knowledge, corporate governance and business acumen skills.
“With three vacancies to be filled, this year’s election provides an opportunity for board renewal and cultural change, which WoolProducers believes is still needed”. Mr Harrison said.
“We are pleased to see this opportunity for board renewal to ensure that the AWI Board evolves to keep pace to take our industry forward whilst making our industry research and development corporation accountable and transparent.” Mr Harrison said.
WoolProducers believes that these recommended candidates offer different perspectives and skills that will help position the industry into the future, including working towards whole of industry good outcomes.
WoolProducers are also calling on all AWI shareholders to vote in this year’s director elections and not leave proxies undirected.
“This is your opportunity as a grower to vote for who you think will best serve the wool industry in the challenging and evolving environment that the industry is currently operating in, and it’s too important to leave to someone else to direct your vote”. Mr Harrison said.
WoolProducers thanks all candidates, who are obviously passionate about the Australian wool industry, for putting their name forward for the AWI director election and wish them every success.
Ballot papers have been made available to registered shareholders. If you have any difficulties during the voting process, including not receiving papers, please contact Link Marketing Services on 1800 113 373.
ENDS
WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall, CEO
0488 554 811
Steve Harrison, President
0427 468 303
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service.
Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool
Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.