Andrew Henderson

FORMER Sheep Producers Australia director Andrew Henderson has been appointed as the new independent chairman of the Red Meat Advisory Council.

RMAC said Mr Henderson is a leading strategic policy specialist and an experienced independent chair and committee member across food security, biosecurity, traceability, food safety and research and development.

He has shaped and championed Australia’s national food security preparedness arrangements and led reform of the country’s red meat and livestock integrity systems, RMAC said. Mr Henderson was a former independent chair of the SAFEMEAT Advisory Group.

RMAC said Mr Henderson is a non-executive director who brings vast experience in red meat and livestock industries and has spent many years driving awareness of the true value of the agriculture sector, and the role that rural and regional Australia plays in our national security, and the security and stability of our region.

He replaces John McKillop, who has led and supported RMAC for the past six years.

RMAC board selection committee chair Garry Edwards congratulated Mr Henderson on his appointment saying there were a number of highly experienced and qualified candidates with strong credentials for the role.

“Andrew Henderson brings considerable skills and experience in agriculture, policy, regional and global supply chains, strategic planning and corporate governance.

“We have every confidence in his ability to ensure RMAC is positioned to meet the needs of its stakeholders.”

Mr Edwards said the independent chair would continue to focus RMAC’s activities as the strategic leader of the red meat industry on behalf of its Peak Industry Body members, ensuring positive outcomes for the whole red meat sector.

Mr Edwards also extended his congratulations to outgoing chair Mr John McKillop for his key role in driving the sector’s strategy and growth. Mr Henderson will formerly assume the role of RMAC chair on 1 November 2026.