Wheatbelt NRM CEO Renata Paliskis.

WESTERN Australia’s Wheatbelt NRM chief executive officer Renata Paliskis has been appointed chair of the Sheep Sustainability Framework’s steering group, along with four other new members.

The other new members appointed after an extensive recruitment process include AWEX sustainability and integrity manager Brydie Creagh, Rabobank senior data ecologist Tanisha Shields, farm management consultant David Sackett and Elders district wool manager Brett Smith.

A Meat & Livestock Australia media release said the appointments come at a time of increasing demand for credible, transparent sustainability data across global supply chains, with the SSF playing an important role in supporting industry, markets and stakeholders.

The SSF is the Australian sheep and wool industry’s national framework for measuring and reporting on sustainability priorities across the Australian sheep and wool sector. It brings together data from across the value chain to provide a transparent, evidence-based view of industry progress against key environmental, animal welfare, people and economic indicators.

MLA said Renata Paliskis, a certified practicing accountant, brings extensive experience in natural resource management and sustainability, with a focus on land stewardship, livestock supply chains and industry engagement.

The new members bring experience across the value chain, the media release said. Brydie Creagh contributes expertise in sustainability and integrity within supply chain services, alongside a connection to a family sheep and wool operation in Western Australia.

Brett Smith brings a producer perspective through his role as a district wool manager and involvement in a Merino operation near St George, Queensland.

Tanisha Shields adds financial and analytical expertise, with a background in data and agricultural advisory, complemented by her connection to a family farming operation in Oxley, New South Wales.

MLA said the new appointees join existing members representing key parts of the value chain, including retail, wool processing and meat processing, and make the steering group well positioned to guide the ongoing development of the framework.

Ms Paliskis said credible sustainability data is playing an increasingly important role across the industry.

“Strong, transparent data is essential to supporting market access and maintaining industry confidence.

“The SSF is well placed to support this, and our focus will be on strengthening its relevance, consistency and utilisation across the supply chain,” she said.

Outgoing SSF chair Scott Williams, who has led the steering group since 2022, said the SSF had become an important asset for the industry.

“The SSF plays a critical role in providing credible, transparent data on industry sustainability.

“I’m confident the new Steering Group is well placed to continue building its value across the supply chain,” he said.

Mr Williams reflected on the growing recognition of the framework internationally, noting its role in supporting market engagement and trade discussions. Lachlan Monsbourgh is also stepping down from the steering group after five years of contribution.

The refreshed steering group will support the next phase of SSF development, including continued improvements to data coverage, reporting and industry engagement, the media release said.

To find out more about the SSF visit the website at Sheep Sustainability Framework.