An open letter to CBH chair Simon Stead: why change a successful structure?

An open letter to CBH chair Simon Stead by Newdegate farmer Bob Iffla

It is with great concern that I write to you over the proposed changes to the structure of CBH.

CBH is the biggest co-operative in Australia and is supposed to be governed by nine grower directors and up to three independents.

CBH handling charges are by far the cheapest in Australia and are the envy of the Eastern States.

Although CBH is the most efficient handler of grain, in Australia and possibly the world, CBH needs to continue to be more efficient.

The new structure as proposed by the board will consist of one grower director for each of the five regions, plus two directors elected on a Statewide basis. This is a total of seven grower-elected directors — two fewer than at present, if you are abiding by the rules of the constitution.

The CBH business has grown rapidly over the past decade.

Grower directors have an increased responsibility for the $4 billion-plus business.

To reduce the pool of grower directors is to reduce the potential talent and spread of expertise, passion and local knowledge at the board table.

Grain-growing areas have increased over the years, which means the current directors need to travel more to service the members of CBH.

Cutting down the number of grower directors will obviously put further pressure on directors and could affect those willing to stand as directors for CBH.

If the re-structure is approved, then grower representation will be decreased by more than 20 per cent, with wide-ranging ramifications.

To name a few:

1. The grower director pool would be lessened, thus reducing the choice from which to elect the best chairperson.

2. Reducing the number of grower directors greatly increases the power of independent directors who do not have any skin in the game. If you wanted to cut down the size of the board, then you should consider dropping off two independent directors as they rarely, if ever, travel to grower meetings around the State.

3. Limiting the number of terms directors can serve will reduce the amount of experience on the board.

This is fraught with danger, handing more power to the management. Will you be applying to members for senior management to be also limited to nine years of service?

4. To be across all the different aspects of CBH is a huge commitment and we need to make sure we have the best directors with experience to run the multibillion-dollar co-operative.

You seem to be blaming poor governance on the fact that there are nine grower directors and saying that if you reduce the directors on the board by two, then the governance issues will be solved.

I feel if you and board directors that feel that way, you are barking up the wrong tree.

Reducing the number of directors on the board will also reduce the knowledge of the board. Governance is set by policy and if the rules are not adhered to, then action needs to be taken to remedy the breech.

So I ask, why change the structure that has served farmers so well over such a long time?

The changes the board is recommending appear to be an extremely risky strategy, which I will not support, and will vote “no” on recommendations.

Bob Iffla

Newdegate