Press Release

This week’s AWI election has changed the seats, but should not change key directions of the woolgrower funded organisation, Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association wool Chairman Digby Stretch said today.

“Substantial changes to the Board occurred principally because of grower confusion and concern over the mulesing issue, but the industry must remain committed to move ahead to find an effective solution to this problem and to ensure that vital wool and sheep research continues.”

“New Directors should also not assume they have been given an automatic mandate to return woolgrowers to the heavy expense and questionable outcomes of promoting wool. 

“The election provides a further opportunity for woolgrowers to review the direction of their industry and to ensure that any activities proposed by the new Directors fully comply with the core charter of AWI. 

“PGA sees an essential role in that sense for former Chairman Brian van Rooyen and sitting WA director Kevin Bell.”

Mr Stretch said the next woolgrower vote on Woolpoll was now only 12 months away and the AWI Board would have to show tangible direction and results in this time to avoid a grower vote for zero levies.