Rogister in push to boost AWI board

Woolgrowers will again be asked to set the size of the Australian Wool Innovation board at its upcoming annual general meeting on November 22.

The constitution, which allows for between five and 10 director positions, is subject to a shareholders' vote, as required by changes that have occurred to the Corporations Act of 2001.

At the 2011 AGM, growers supported the AWI-recommended seven-member board, which currently stands.

At that time, AWI chairman Wal Merriman said a seven-member board would allow for diversity of skills and experience, limit administration costs, provide a clear majority through an odd number of directors and maintain the board's current flexibility to appoint another director if it became necessary or desirable.

"I believe if shareholders vote for a board of seven and the subsequent election of three candidates only, this will be the best outcome for the wool industry," he said before the 2011 AGM.

WAFarmers said last week that limiting the board to seven members would be to the detriment of AWI's grower representation.

The lobby group's wool section president Ed Rogister said a 10-member board would help to maintain creditability, effectiveness and appropriate corporate governance.

"The best way to ensure producers have their say on the future direction of AWI is to vote or appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf," he said.

Mr Rogister, along with WAFarmers wool section vice-president Ken Clark and executive member Max Watts, will be attending the AGM and can be nominated as proxies before November 20.