For the past two months Australian red meat producers have had the opportunity to read and comment on four Green Paper options to reform the structure of the Australian red meat and livestock industry.

Jim Varghese AM, Taskforce Chair

The Red Meat Advisory Council, which is overseeing the review process, says almost 600 people have now downloaded the Green Paper during the consultation process.

The consultation period formally closes this Monday, April 15, meaning the opportunity for producers wishing to have offer their input has almost passed.

Independent Red Meat Reform Taskforce chair Jim Varghese said the taskforce will review all submissions, as it develops recommendations for building a better red meat future.

He said submissions should cover:

• The current strengths of the Red Meat MOU, and governance of the industry more generally, that you would like to maintain in any future arrangements;
• What changes you would like to see in any future arrangements;
• Your thoughts on possible future models for the governance of the industry, guided by the four options covered in the Green Paper;
• How fit for purpose these models would be for future challenges for the red meat industry.

“These aren’t easy questions to answer, but it’s critical you give us your ideas,” he said.

“The industry should be proud of what it has achieved in the past.

“Looking forward though, if you think real reform is needed to ensure we have a capable, streamlined and high performing industry, that can strategically deal with risks and opportunities, better engage our customers, and better help industry deal with the rapidly changing world around it – we need to know.”

Please take the time to put pen to paper and provide your feedback. Go to www.rmac.com.au/mou today.