E.STK.2105 - MLA and Peak Industry Bodies Functional Review

Summary

This review considered the current functional arrangements in the Red Meat Industry between Meat & Livestock Australia, the Red Meat Advisory Council and producer Peak Industry Bodies (PIB) within the regulatory environment which currently applies.  

Consultants undertook interviews with representatives from each entity and analysed relevant documentation to identify opportunities for improved delivery of key functions for the benefit of sector producers/levy payers.  

Three options for industry’s consideration were detailed as part of the report: 

Status quo  

The authors of this review note that the ‘status quo’ model has stood the test of time. Although weaknesses are evident in the ‘status quo’ model, in terms of functional gaps and overlaps, the model has generally served the industry well.  Certainly, the status quo model, developed in 1998, represented a considerable advance on the structures existing prior to that time and, through its operation, has encouraged a significant degree of collaboration to occur between producer PIBs and MLA. 

Clear separation 

Under the ‘clear separation’ model, overlap in functional responsibilities is reduced, as is duplication of some activities that address these functions.   

Collaborative partnership  

Under the ‘collaborative partnership’ model, the outcome being sought is for MLA and PIBs to work together on key functions as if all were part of the one large organisation.  No external divisions should be apparent, no ‘us and them’ mentality should exist; rather a common front would be presented of unity. 

The report explored advantages and disadvantages of the two new options and compared them to the ‘status quo’.

The report made a range of recommendations based on their findings. 

While there are evident weaknesses in the ‘status quo’ model, in terms of functional gaps and overlaps, it has stood the test of time and has encouraged a significant degree of collaboration between PIBs and MLA.  

The report’s authors recommended that some adjustments to the status quo, towards a collaborative partnership model, may be beneficial but note that in the absence of changes to the underlying legal structures and the requirements of the existing legislative and compliance frameworks, the default recommendation landed with ‘clear separation’, citing that overlap in functional responsibilities is reduced, as is duplication of some activities.

Objectives

Stocktake the functions required to fully service the industry across each organisation and ensure clear roles and responsibilities.