Board Positions up for grabs as peak wool representative body calls for nominations for directors

Nominations are now open for three positions on the Executive of the nation’s peak body for woolgrowers, WoolProducers Australia.

President Steve Harrison said that nominations are now being sought from current woolgrowers who believe that they can contribute to national and international policy development and advocacy on behalf of Australia’s wool producing industry.

“WoolProducers Australia is led by a National Executive of woolgrowers from around Australia, which is predominantly made up of delegates from our state farming organisations members,” said Mr Harrison today.

“However, we also have three independent members that are directly elected by growers, which is very unique to our organisation. Democratically elected independent members give anyone involved with wool growing in Australia the opportunity to be a part of the leadership team.”

The successful candidates will be required to become directors of WoolProducers Australia Ltd as part of the WoolProducers Australia Executive and the positions are for a term of two years.

Current Independent Directors are Stacey Lugsdin, NSW and John Hassell, WA, with current President Steve Harrison being the third Independent Director, who does not have to recontest the election given his role of President.

Ms Lugsdin has indicated that she is renominating, while Mr Hassell will not recontest as he has reached his six-year tenure limit.

Mr Harrison said “WoolProducers is the only representative group in the Australian Wool Industry that represents all woolgrowers, unlike other groups who only represent certain sectors of the industry or have vested agendas and no accountability, we proudly act without fear or favour in calling for transparency and accountability from those service provider companies that are financed by grower funds - whether they are compulsory levies or fees for service.”

“WoolProducers, as leaders of the industry, have delivered many outcomes on behalf of the industry, with many current leading initiatives being driven by WoolProducers, including wool traceability, the Sheep Sustainability Framework, Trust in Australian Wool, expanded trade and market access for wool and the feasibility of domestic and diversified wool processing.’”

“As the representative of the single largest body of woolgrowers in Australia, we are seeking people from any segment of the production sector who believe that they can actively contribute to policy development in the best interests of the entire wool industry.” Mr Harrison said.

To be eligible for election to the position of Independent Director on the Executive of WoolProducers Australia, candidates must:

• Have paid the 1.5% wool levy at least once during the past three years (since 1 July 2020);
• Be a member of a state farmer organisation that is affiliated with WoolProducers Australia or a Direct Member of WoolProducers Australia; and
• Be eligible to act as a company director.

Nominations must be received before 5.00pm (AEST) on Friday 22 September. In the event of a contested election, ballot papers will be distributed during October, with the close of voting being COB, Thursday, 2 November. The results will be declared at the 2023 WPA Annual General Meeting on 9 November, 2023.

Further information can be obtained from the WoolProducers Australia office via info@woolproduers.com.au or on the website https://www.woolproducers.com.au/director-elections