AWI plans must be laid out

NSW Farmers’ Association supports Minister Littleproud’s demand that Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) amend their implementation plan to be clearer and more detailed. 

Andrew Wood, Chair of the NSW Farmers’ Wool Committee, stressed the importance of getting the implementation plan correct as the change will impact how AWI is governed and operates. 

“The 82 recommendations address areas for improvement that were identified through an independent performance and governance review of AWI. It is vital that the changes needed are implemented promptly. ”

“The implementation plan cannot be vague or short of detail. It must clearly communicate to all stakeholders how the EY recommendations will be adopted” Mr Wood said. “Wool growers fund the operations of AWI through the levy. We need clarity on when these changes will occur and they need to be completed soon”  

 “It is disappointing that the initial plan did not meet Minister Littleproud’s expectation. However we welcome the strong response from the Minister to demand improvements” he said. 

The Association urges AWI to provide the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) with adequate supplementary information by Monday.

“It is disappointing this process has been prolonged. The report was released in July and woolgrowers are still in the dark about how AWI plans to action the seven outstanding recommendations” he said.

“We welcome the bipartisan approach of Minister Littleproud and Shadow Minister Fitzgibbon to drive AWI to implement the changes as the EY review directed. 

Mr Wood anticipated that once AWI provide DAWR further information next Monday the implementation plan would become clearer and that contentious points would be addressed. 

“I look forward to reading the final implementation plan next week and having a clear understanding of how AWI seeks to move forward”

Date: Friday 26 October 2018
Media Contact:   Michael Burt  | 0428 228 988