A strong desire for change was expressed at yesterday’s Meat and Livestock Australia annual general meeting in Longreach

Forums held before and after the AGM gave industry stakeholders the opportunity to discuss existing industry structures and views on preferred alternatives.

While there seemed little disagreement that new structures are needed, there was far less consensus on what form those changes should take.

Debate focused on two issues specifically – whether representatives of the cattle industry’s peak producer body should be appointed via State Farmer Organisations or directly-elected, and how the peak producer body should be funded.

A strong view was expressed that the cattle industry needs a well-resourced body to manage its national affairs and to speak with a more powerful voice in Canberra.

Cattle Council of Australia currently operates on a $1.3 million annual budget, funded primarily by State Farm Organisations. 

Significant debate surrounded whether a portion of the $5/head cattle transaction levy should be directed to Cattle Council of Australia.