New SPA board member Andrew Henderson.

STRATEGIC policy specialist Andrew Henderson has been elected to board of Sheep Producers Australia.

Mr Henderson has been elected to one of the two board positions at yesterday’s SPA annual general meeting.

SPA said Western Australian sheep producer Bindi Murray has been reappointed for a third and final term and acknowledged the important role of retiring director Robert Herrmann.

Mr Henderson is currently the outgoing independent chair of the SAFEMEAT Advisory Group.

SPA said Mr Henderson had a passion for building the sustainability and prosperity of rural and regional Australia and enhancing the recognition of its role in the economy and its place in national security.

Mr Henderson thanked the members of Sheep Producers Australia for their confidence in electing him to an independent board director.

“This organisation has a critical role to play on behalf of producers and I am excited to serve and support the industry, particularly to help the industry and government to understand each other and work better together for the benefit of the nation,” he said.

SPA independent chair Andrew Spencer said Mr Henderson works across private enterprise, industry, not-for-profits, and governments and is a published author on biosecurity, food security, national security, agricultural supply chains along with other matters of national interest.

“We welcome Andrew’s appointment and look forward to working with him and having his contribution to the board,” he said.

Ms Murray said she is looking forward to continuing her work with the SPA board and team.

“I believe that science is at the heart of agriculture and that part of our roles advocating for ongoing support for our producers and demonstrating strategic leadership for Australia’s sheep industry for a productive, profitable, and sustainable future,” she said.

Mr Spencer said the board will continue to support and guide the organisation as it continues to evolve in a positive direction around building the professionalism, high levels of governance and performance orientation required for an effective representative body to support producers and the sheep industry.

Source – Sheep Producers Australia.