Former MP appointed KPCA chief executive

A former Federal MP with two years experience leading the NSW Irrigators’ Council has been appointed the new chief executive of the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association, replacing outgoing boss Emma White. But it will be a few weeks before Luke Simpkins, who was steaming towards Perth in a four-wheel-drive with his wife Lara this week, officially starts in the chief executive’s role on October 3. He will first have to spend two weeks in quarantine in Perth, and plans to ride out that period in quarantine in the city after moving to WA from Sydney. Speaking to Countryman from the side of the road near Norseman on Tuesday, Mr Simpkins said he was “absolutely thrilled” to be moving to Broome to work for the KPCA. Broome is long drive and the KPCA is a far cry from his previous role in Sydney as the chief executive of the NSW Irrigators’ Council — a position he held for two years. The former Liberal member for the seat of Cowan in Perth from 2007-2016, Mr Simpkins said he could bring a lot to the KPCA. The not-for-profit organisation represents pastoralists across the Kimberley and Pilbara — a 925,000sqkm area nearly twice the size of Sweden. “I think this sector is defined by people out there, working bloody hard, in very difficult positions,” Mr Simpkins said. “I just want to dedicate myself to making sure that effort is rewarded and recognised. “We (the KPCA) are backing up people doing a difficult job under difficult conditions, and I am really looking forward to the challenge.” As a Federal MP, Mr Simpkins travelled to live export trade destinations and said he hoped to draw on his extensive experience in engaging with foreign officials and ministers while with the KPCA. Before being elected to Parliament, Mr Simpkins was a commissioned army officer, a Federal policeman and an Australian and State sportsman. Mr Simpkins was serving as the the Cowan MP when the then-Federal Labor Government banned live cattle exports to Indonesia for six months in 2011, a call recently found to be a “misfeasance in public office” by a Federal Court after a class action seeking $600 million. Mr Simpkins said he was “dead against” the ban that “closed down the live cattle trade” and believed the live cattle trade was “so important” to the WA economy. “This trade we have is so important, it is good for the cattle sector and there is a big demand for our red meat,” he said. “It is important for jobs in the North West of WA.” Mr Simpkins said working in irrigation, he was used to defending the social licence of an industry and would work hard to maintain the positive image of the KPCA. “There are a number of people very hardcore against the live export sector, and it was the same with the irrigation sector,” he said. KPCA chair David Stoate said Mr Simpkins was selected from a competitive field of applicants. “Luke brings to the KPCA a wealth of experience in government, agribusiness and policy development,” Mr Stoate said. “He is passionate about the opportunities for the cattle industry in Northern Australia. “On behalf of the KPCA executive committee, we welcome Luke’s appointment, and look forward to working with him to further promote and advance the interests of the northern beef industry.” Mr Stoate also thanked and acknowledged the tireless efforts of outgoing chief executive Ms White in helping to grow and develop the KPCA. “Emma has played a critical and strategic role in helping to consolidate and raise the profile and influence of the KPCA over the last three years as chief executive,” Mr Stoate said. “On behalf of the KPCA executive committee and its members, I wish to thank Emma for her contribution and wish her all the best for the future.” Mr Simpkins will start on October 3.