AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation has opened consultation on the first independent review of the grower levy and government-funded marketing, research and development company in five years.

AWI chief executive Bryan Fry said stakeholders should get involved.

“Feedback is important so AWI can continue to work effectively and efficiently for wool growers.

“This review covers matters relating to our funding arrangement with the Commonwealth, including research, consultation, collaboration, governance and processes,” he said.

“It is also an assessment of the company’s response to the last independent review conducted in 2021.”

Growers have about six weeks to make submissions, with the consultation open until 30 June 2026.

An AWI spokesman confirmed the full final report will be made available, along with AWI’s response to any recommendations made in the final report from GHD.

“With regards to submissions, these are made directly to GHD and not shared either publicly or directly with AWI.”

AWI said independent reviews are conducted periodically as a requirement of AWI’s Statutory Funding Agreement with the Commonwealth.

WoolProducers Australia chief executive officer Jo Hall said WoolProducers looks forward to participating in the AWI ROP, and to provide factual and fair feedback into this process.

GHD is conducting the current review which covers the period from 2021 to 2025.

AWI said any AWI levy payers and key stakeholders are invited to make a submission to the GHD Review Team by heading to the dedicated GHD website (Australian Wool Innovation Independent Performance Review or info.ghd.com/awireview-2026).

The final independent performance review recommendations will be published on the AWI website along with AWI’s response to the recommendations, following the conclusion of the review.