The Red Meat Advisory Council has announced the industry’s Memorandum of Understanding will undergo a comprehensive review led by Mr Jim Varghese AM.
“The MOU has been a foundation document for the red meat and livestock industry over the past twenty years and this review is about evaluating, enhancing and elaborating on the successes we have had under the MOU,” said chair of RMAC Mr Don Mackay.
The review will be undertaken by a taskforce chaired by Mr Varghese, a renowned policy thinker and reviewer who has held various private and public service roles including Director-General roles in Main Roads, the Department of Education, Employment and Training and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries in both Queensland and Victoria and the current Chair of the Australia-India Business Council.
Expressions of interest for the remaining five taskforce spots will be open from today until October 3.
“We are looking for high quality candidates from a range of disciplines and backgrounds for our taskforce,” Mr Mackay said.
“We want a breadth of experience across policy making, governance, advocacy and out of the box thinkers to make this review as comprehensive and effective as possible.”
Recommendations are expected by the end of March 2019.
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud welcomed the review, saying the red meat industry was “big business” and there was a need to make sure it was ready for new opportunities and challenges.
“The MOU put in place 20 years ago carves out the funding and service delivery arrangements between peak councils, research and development corporations and the Commonwealth,” he said.
“What was put in place two decades ago might not be fit for today.
“The review is also in line with the recommendations of the Senate Inquiry into the effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector.
“It is an important opportunity to set the direction of the sector.
“I thank RMAC for showing the leadership to have this work done.”
