News

WoolProducers backs renewal of AWI board

Sheep Central, October 25, 2021

Benangaroo Station owner and AWI candidate Michael Field, left, with WoolProducers Australia president Ed Storey at the sheep sustainability framework launch earlier this year.

PEAK wool grower body, WoolProducers Australia has called for renewal on the Australian Wool Innovation board by backing three new candidates for election this year.

WoolProducers today recommended to growers the candidates supported by AWI’s Board Nomination Committee – AWI chairman Jock Laurie, director Don Macdonald and new nominees Georgia Hack and Steven Read — while also asking shareholders to consider New South Wales grower Michael Field.

WoolProducers also called on all registered AWI shareholders to vote in the director elections and not leave proxies undirected and in chairman Jock Laurie’s hands.

WoolProducers said it has carefully considered the election’s seven candidates, who are vying for three board positions.

“In determining this recommendation WoolProducers undertook a rigorous process of seeking the views of each of the seven candidates on a range of issues currently affecting industry,” Mr Storey said.

“We were very pleased to see the candidate responses and we believe our industry is fortunate to have such a diverse field of quality candidates that have put themselves forward for election,” Mr Storey said.

In considering the suitability of candidates, WoolProducers said it took a principled and merit-based approach to its decision, with consideration given to the opportunity for some board renewal, supply-chain knowledge, corporate governance and business acumen skills.

“WoolProducers believes that all of these recommended candidates offer different perspectives and skills that will help position the industry into the future.

“In a post-pandemic world, we need to have an agile and responsive Board to take our industry forward, not get bogged down in history and domestic politics whilst also operating in an accountable and transparent manner,” Mr Storey said.

The other candidates in the election are South Australian Merino breeder Sydney Lawrie and New South Wales grower Chick Olsson.

Mr Storey said while production knowledge is an essential skill to have on the board of AWI, WoolProducers believes existing directors of AWI adequately address these requirements.

“We would like to see some board renewal to ensure that there is appropriate knowledge of the other important facets or our global supply chain and believe that we can work constructively with the successful candidates of our recommended nominees,” he said.

WoolProducers thanked all candidates for putting their name forward for the AWI director election and wished them every success.

If registered shareholders have not received the ballot papers by now, please contact Link Marketing Services on 1800 990 363.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your comment will not appear until it has been moderated.
Contributions that contravene our Comments Policy will not be published.

Comments

Get Sheep Central's news headlines emailed to you -
FREE!