The loss of widely respected and hugely popular northern cattle industry identity Luke Bowen has been met with an outpouring of grief by his many friends across Australia.

Despite his young age, in 2011 as CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Luke rose fearlessly to the fore to lead the northern cattle industry through its darkest days in the wake of the devastating export ban to Indonesia.

He later held senior roles with the Northern Territory Government and was appointed as the inaugural CEO of Australia’s national peak cattle industry representative body Cattle Australia in February 2023, before stepping down in September last year due to health reasons.

Luke was highly regarded as a courageous and passionate champion of the cattle industry and a natural leader whose authentic and trustworthy approach helped to build bridges and connect rural and urban Australia.

News of his passing has led to heartfelt tributes on social media. “Devastated is a massive understatement” close friend and cattle industry leader Adam Coffey told Beef Central.

A social media post from Cattle Australia announced the devastating news of his loss on Sunday morning.

“Our organisation is devastated by the passing of our former CEO, and one of agriculture’s finest leaders, Luke Bowen.

‘Luke’s contribution to our industry, regional communities and as a friend and colleague cannot be understated. He was a remarkable person and our deepest sympathies are with Tracey and Luke’s family as they work through this unimaginable loss.

“Luke was instrumental to the establishment of Cattle Australia and we’re sure the nation’s grass fed cattle producers will dip their hats to one of our best today.”

In a social media post on Sunday the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association said Luke was one of “agriculture’s finest leaders”.

“He was a life member medalist of our association, a recognition of his exceptional service and dedication.

“Luke showed tremendous leadership during the 2011 Live Export crisis and proved to be a calm and inspirational leader of the NT industry.

“His passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment made him an invaluable asset to our industry and to Northern Australia.

“As we mourn this tremendous loss, our deepest sympathies are with Tracey and Luke’s family as they navigate this unimaginable time. We ask that everyone respect their wishes for privacy and give them the time they need to grieve.

“Luke Bowen was a remarkable person, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We are deeply saddened and devastated by his passing and will remember him with the utmost respect and admiration.”

In a message to members on Monday afternoon, NTCA CEO Will Evans said Luke’s legacy was immense.

“The NTCA today stands on the foundations he built in his time as CEO. Luke grew the NTCA from a small but powerful Territory based cattle industry association, to a national presence for Northern Australia. His passion reminded so many in Canberra that while we may be far away, our voice would be heard. Would be respected. That we mattered and could not so easily be ignored.

“When strength was needed, Luke provided it. When courage was needed, Luke had it in spades. When kindness was needed, Luke was the first to offer it. When someone needed a good laugh, Luke always found a way of making it happen.

“The strength of his personality lit up any room he walked into. He was inherently a leader, not one made or forged. But one destined to it. As if he was born knowing how to help others, driven by a need to be of service to his friends and family and those who needed him. He was a point on a compass, true and firm and constant.”

Luke grew up on a mixed farm in Western Australia and prior to working industry representation he spent 10 years working with the Indigenous Land Corporation.

He was a former member of the commonwealth minister’s Agriculture Industry Advisory Council and the Prime Ministers Advisory Board for the Centenary of ANZAC, and most recently was Principal of Government Affairs with energy company Santos.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the Australian industry has lost a champion and a hero in Luke Bowen.

“Mr Bowen was hugely popular and respected.

“His contribution was enormous, having been instrumental in the establishment of Cattle Australia.

“As the former CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, Mr Bowen led the northern cattle industry through turbulent times in the wake of the live cattle ban to Indonesia in 2011.

“Mr Bowen had courage of his conviction and was much loved for it.

“He never cut and ran when it got too hard, instead he stayed and fought for what was right.

“Mr Bowen will be remembered for being a true leader, in every essence of the word.

“Above all, he was a top bloke.”

NT Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said she offered her sincere condolences to Tracey Hayes and the entire family of Luke Bowen following his recent passing.

“The Northern Territory has benefited greatly from Mr Bowen’s service both in the cattle industry and more recently from his involvement with Santos.

“Mr Bowen knew the significant role the cattle industry had to play in Australia’s economy and was dedicated to maximising it for the benefit of our country.

“Mr Bowen was at the helm of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association through some of the industry’s toughest periods, and was an asset to Cattle Australia during his time as CEO.

“The cattle industry in Australia owes a great deal to Mr Bowen. He was a true leader and he will long be remembered for his contributions.

“Mr Bowen will also be remembered for his involvement in Santos and his desire to progress projects which he knew would benefit both the Northern Territory and Australia more broadly. He remained committed up until his passing, and his dedication will be remembered.

“Thank you Luke for your many contributions; you will be missed.”

‘A magnificent friend and fierce defender’

The Australian Livestock Exporters Council (ALEC) released a statement describing Luke as a “a magnificent friend and fierce defender of our industry”.

“Most notably as leader of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association during the 2011 live cattle ban to Indonesia.

“Luke was instrumental in fighting for justice for Northern Australian pastoralists following the illegal ban, a fight that continues now.

“Luke was highly regarded in agricultural circles for his integrity, intelligence and leadership. He had many friends and few enemies despite the challenging issues he often dealt with.

“He was a man that knew the hardworking men and women of Northern Australian deserved a voice that was heard, and a man that understood the importance and positive impact Australia’s live export industry had and was willing to stand up for it.

“His contribution will not be forgotten.”

NT Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade also released a statement mourning the passing of “our close friend, leader, colleague and mentor”.

“Luke was a phenomenal leader and advocate for agriculture and Northern Australia.

“More than that he was a top fella – with boundless energy, a great sense of humour and deep compassion.

“His passion for development in regional and remote communities reflected his determination to improve living standards for Aboriginal Territorians in particular, and the bush in general.

“Luke was a champion for the Territory, for the cattle industry and agriculture more broadly, for mining, Defence and all industries that benefit regional and remote communities.

“Most strident however was his advocacy for his teams and their work to improve the lives of Territorians.

“Luke’s passing has come too soon and he will be sadly missed, remembered fondly and celebrated perpetually.

“We honour and remember him.”