- The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to commission an independent review of Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) performance and governance.
- The review, welcomed by AWI, will look at its performance in delivering research and development, extension and marketing services to woolgrowers.
- AWI stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in the independent review.
Australian Wool Innovation will undergo an independent review of its performance and governance, as part of its normal statutory reporting requirements, with stakeholders being consulted as part of the process.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the review would be conducted over the next six months, ahead of WoolPoll 2018, and will examine AWI’s performance, as well as additional matters of public interest raised over the past year.
“The 42,000 wool levy payers have the right to expect their industry body to work hard in the interests of woolgrowers,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This review gives all parties the ability to be fully informed.
“To keep this at arms-length my department will engage an independent reviewer.
“AWI stakeholders, including woolgrower representative groups, will have the opportunity to participate in the review.
“The findings will be made available to levy payers ahead of the industry’s WoolPoll this year to inform their vote.”
WoolPoll is held every three years and gives woolgrowers the opportunity to have a say in the strategic direction of the industry.
WoolPoll voting will take place over a six-week period between 17 September and 2 November 2018.
AWI Chief Executive Officer Stuart McCullough said he welcomed the independent review of performance.
“This is a normal part of our business cycle as an opportunity for our stakeholders to see the benefits delivered for woolgrower,”’ Mr McCullough said.
“At AWI we are always striving to deliver best performance for our woolgrowers and we believe that our governance procedures and operations are appropriate for our funding and business model, however we are more than happy to have this tested through our triennial performance review process.”
