MLA welcomes new grassfed producer representative and Board members

Cattle producers now have a greater say over the selection of MLA Board Directors after members of Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) today elected an additional grassfed representative to the Board Selection Committee, along with the election of three new Board Directors.

At the MLA AGM in Brisbane, Queensland cattle producer Mick Hewitt was elected to the Selection Committee for a three year term.

Mr Hewitt now joins cattle producer representative Ian McCamley, sheep producer representative Jane Kellock, lotfeeder representative Therese Herbert, as well as three representatives appointed by peak industry councils, and two non-voting MLA Directors on the Selection Committee.

MLA members also voted on the election of three new Directors to the MLA Board:

• West Australian livestock producer, business management adviser and events planner Erin Gorter received 90.08% votes in favour
• Industry business builder, technology specialist and post farm gate value-add expert Robert Fitzpatrick received 89.94% votes in favour
• Global brand marketing expert and strategist Steven Chaur received 85.19% votes in favour

MLA Chair Dr Michele Allan welcomed the new Board members, as well as Mr Hewitt to the Selection Committee, acknowledging the importance of levy payer input into the process.

“Voting at the AGM is a very important way for levy payers to have their say in the way MLA is governed, in order to build a prosperous and sustainable future for Australia’s beef, sheep and goat producers,” Dr Allan said.

“The MLA Board is a skills-based Board. Directors have complementary skills in order to make sound decisions for the long term benefit of the livestock industry. The MLA Board remains committed to adding value to our industry through strategic direction and oversight of MLA.”

At last year’s AGM, members voted to make amendments to MLA’s constitution to increase the number of cattle producer representatives on the Committee from one to two – giving grassfed producers greater representation and influence over the selection of MLA Board members.

Presentations from the accompanying Producer Forum can be viewed here