LIVESTOCK exporters have backed a package of reforms designed to strengthen the industry’s capacity to respond to changing global markets, regulatory demands and emerging opportunities.

Members of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) and LiveCorp have unanimously supported a 30 per cent increase in the LiveCorp statutory levy, while ALEC members have also endorsed an increase in the ALEC voluntary levy and changes to the organisation’s governance arrangements.

ALEC Chair Dr Chris Back said the decisions demonstrated an industry willing to take responsibility for its future and ensure its representative, research and development and marketing functions remained strong and sustainable.

“This is a positive and important vote of confidence in the future of Australia’s livestock export industry,” Dr Back said.

“Our industry is continually adapting to changing market dynamics, regulatory requirements and community expectations.

These decisions demonstrate that exporters are prepared to be proactive, invest in their future and make sure our industry organisations are equipped to meet those challenges.

“Importantly, members have supported a balanced approach that strengthens the industry’s capacity without losing sight of the significant commercial pressures exporters are currently managing.”

The LiveCorp statutory levy has not been reviewed for almost 20 years despite significant changes in export volumes and the industry’s revenue base over that period.

The 30 per cent increase was recommended by the ALEC Board following detailed consideration of industry conditions, consultation with members and extensive engagement with LiveCorp.

“Live export-specific research and development is critical to the continued progress and sustainability of our industry,” Dr Back said.

“The outcome gives us a clear mandate from industry to progress a levy setting that will continue to deliver value for levy payers.”

The member vote does not itself change the statutory levy.

A formal proposal will now be progressed and require approval by the Australian Government and Parliament through legislative instrument.

In a separate vote, ALEC members supported an increase in ALEC’s voluntary levy from $1.00 to $1.50 per animal, providing additional resources for the organisation to undertake its industry representation and advocacy functions. Members also endorsed amended governance arrangements designed to strengthen accountability, transparency and coordination of industry priorities.

The reforms include changes to ALEC’s Board composition and nomination arrangements and the establishment of an Industry Priorities Forum, bringing directors of ALEC and LiveCorp together on a quarterly basis.

The Forum will provide an advisory mechanism for industry priority setting, coordination, review of material investment proposals and monitoring of delivery. It will not replace the decision-making responsibilities of the ALEC or LiveCorp Boards.

“Taken together, these decisions are about ensuring the industry has the right structures, resources and investment for the future,” Dr Back said.

“Australia’s livestock export industry operates in a highly competitive and constantly changing global environment. Standing still is not an option.

“We need strong representation, targeted research and development and governance arrangements that keep industry priorities at the centre of decision-making.

“The support of members sends a strong message that this is an industry prepared to adapt, invest and proactively shape its own future.”