WoolProducers ‘blindsided’ by election result with new acting vice president announced

WoolProducers Australia’ senior leaders were left “blindsided” at its biennial election when its vice president, NSW grower Stacey Lugsdin, failed to be re-elected. It was a dramatic election result for the national woolgrower advocacy group, with the vice president for the past 12 months — of New South Wales — failing to be re-elected for a third two-year term. Wool Producers Australia president Steve Harrison said the organisation would convene in March to elect a new vice president from its appointed ranks, with Victorian woolgrower Simon Riddle taking the reins in the meantime. There was an unprecedented five candidates running for three independent director positions on the board. Mr Harrison and Mr Riddle were both elected unopposed at WoolProducers’ annual general meeting on November 9. Other successful candidates included New South Wales farmers Angus Hobson and Skye Ward. Victorian farmer Helen Carrigan was unsuccessful in her bid to join the board. At the meeting, Mr Hassell stepped down from the WoolProducers board after reaching his six-year term limit. WAFarmers vice president Steve McGuire stepped down from the board in March to focus on his tilt for the Australian Wool Innovation board. Mr Harrison said it was pleasing to have a contested election which included nominations from a range of candidates who “all possessed great credentials”. “As president, I am looking forward to working with the new directors and I know that they will bring a lot to the organisation,” Mr Harrison said. In his President’s Report, tabled at the AGM, Mr Harrison discussed the challenges that have faced wool production during the past 12 months, including detrimental government policies, declining commodity prices and seasonal conditions. He also spoke about the importance of collaboration within the industry going forward. “With significant board renewal we will be able to have fresh eyes on how we as the peak body representing Australian woolgrowers, will be able to assist producers over the next few years,” Mr said. “Next year is shaping up to be a big year for the wool industry and along with the current directors, Angus, Skye and Simon’s insights will help guide our organisation to deliver the best outcomes for woolgrowers.”