New ALEC chief executive officer Simon Westaway.

NEW Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive officer Simon Westaway will continue to support and implement industry changes to better address community concerns about animal welfare, according to ALEC chairman Simon Crean.

Mr Crean said ALEC has a crucial role to play in improving levels of engagement, transparency and accountability through projects such as the development of animal welfare indicators and improvements to the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), especially via the Livestock Global Assurance Program (LGAP).

Mr Crean yesterday announced Mr Westaway would take the role formerly held by Alison Penfold for 4.5 years.

“Mr Westaway’s proven abilities as a senior executive in corporate affairs and strategy in the resources and mining, aviation, tourism and transport, health and government sectors mean he is very well placed to make a significant contribution to the livestock export industry,” Mr Crean said.

Mr Westaway joins ALEC from Melbourne-based corporate advisory firm Hintons & Associates, and he has previous experience with BHB Billiton, Orica, Tourism Australia, Jetstar Airways and Medibank Private.

Mr Crean said Mr Westaway’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the industry.

“The live trade continues to be the subject of close scrutiny and questions continue to be asked about our commitment to transparency and improvement in animal welfare.

“While we are very proud of Australia’s role in a sophisticated and professional global livestock supply chain, we acknowledge the system is not perfect,” Mr Crean said.

“That’s why we are determined to be transparent in addressing the concerns of all stakeholders, finding common ground in solutions which support an ethical and economically viable live trade.”

Mr Crean said Ms Penfold leaves the organisation in much stronger shape to meet the significant opportunities and challenges facing our industry.

“Alison has overseen fundamental changes in the way the livestock export business operates.

“We thank her for her legacy and she goes with our best wishes for the future,” he said.

Source: ALEC.