Executive Summaries

WoolProducers Australia executive summaries will be made available following both the Health and Welfare Advisory Committee Meeting and the Executive Board Meeting. H&W Advisory Committee Meetings and Executive Board Meetings are held quarterly.

Meeting dates for 2018 are as follows:

  • 28th February (H&W) – 1st March (Exec) 2018
  • 30th May (H&W) – 31st May (Exec) 2018
  • 30th August (H&W) – 31st August (Exec) 2018
  • 14th November (H&W) – 15th November (Exec) 2018


Health and Welfare Board Advisory Committee

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

28 February 2018

CANBERRA

 

Meeting commenced 8:30 am

 

CALL FOR GENERAL BUSINESS

  • NSW Farmers – Johne’s taskforce.
  • China Husbandry Expo – May 2018

 

MEMBER ISSUES

  • WAFF Wool Committee request for compulsory reports on disease status from abattoirs to individual producer.

Response – All producers sending their sheep to abattoirs that participate in the NSHMP have the ability, through the Livestock Data Link, to get information on conditions tested in their consignments. LDL can be accessed by logging into the “My MLA” profile. The testing is ‘random’ and as such not every sheep, or every consignment of sheep is tested.  In WA 320,000 sheep were inspected last quarter and OJD inspection available “on request”.

 

  • Livestock SA request for funding for a Biosecurity Officer in SA due to a gap between SA and the national Biosecurity programs because there is not Biosecurity officer (other states have an LBN representative). Discussion on alternatives such as Victorian VFF model. Discussion also on LBN funding, advice was provided that there had been a change in LBN funding arrangements, which may have an impact on WPA’s decision on this issue.

 

ACTION WPA to clarify current funding arrangements of LBN

 

  • Livestock SA raised a motion that the National Wool Declaration (NWD) be changed so that the person signing the NWD provides the suppliers name and invoice number for the product used in pain relief for mulesing.

The motion was discussed and no disagreement from the Committee, however it was felt that there is already an integrity system in place to cover the use of pain relief products.

 

Policy Director Report

The Policy Director report was discussed with the following points of note:

  • Release of the Dominion movie late in March, trailer shown to Committee for information and noting that there is a combined livestock industry communications strategy to manage messaging.

 

Policy Officer Report

The Policy Officer report was noted with the following points of note:

  • Lamb Survival project update
ACTION WPA to write to SPA to indicate intention to remain involved in the Lamb Survival work

 

AWI R&D Update – Geoff Lindon AWI Welfare Advocacy Manager

Breech Strike R&D and technical update:

  • R&D update and history of breech strike
  • NZ as of 1 October 2017 banned mulesing (i.e. punishable offence to continue mulesing). 1 Oct 2019 new regulation comes in around pain relief and marking
  • Key areas breech strike R&D:
  • Breeding and selection
  • Breech modification
  • Improved management practices
  • Wool grower industry and domestic extension
  • International supply chain communication
  • Research into mulesing alternatives
  • Pain relief products: reasonable competition in the market place
  • NMAP
  • New blowfly control technologies – Gene sequencing. 26 genes of particular interest. High tech, long term
  • Pain relief figures discussed and concerns about transparency

 

Mulesing Discussion

  • The Committee discussed industry leadership to protect the right of growers to continue mulesing into the future. It was agreed to put some actions around the policy we developed last year.

 

ACTION A one-page action list to be prepared for discussion at next meeting

 

  • Discussion about use of the NWD as a condition of sale. This will assist with more accurate and transparent figures regarding use of pain relief.

 

RECOMMENDATION TO BOARD WoolProducers approach AWEX again regarding NWD becoming a condition of sale in acknowledgement that the SHD in now a condition of sale for AuctionsPlus

 

Victorian Animal Welfare Code

  • The Committee discussed the changes in Victoria regarding the public sector group called Animal Welfare Victoria, as well as the recently released strategy. WPA will keep a watching brief on the issue.

 

Sheep Sustainability Strategy

  • An update was given on the progress with the Sustainability Strategy. The sustainability framework group agreed that the group would continue to work together on this issue, but it will no longer be a framework, rather a ‘hub’ of information on industry sustainability credentials.

 

Traceability

  • The committee discussed SheepCatcher II and the 2014 Decision Regulatory Impact Statement which articulate that the current status quo in regards to sheep traceability is not meeting standards and the need to look at a future system.
  • The Committee discussed the current Victorian system and the transition to individual ID in that state. There is recognition that eID would not solve all of the problems but it would certainly improve the level of sheep traceability nationally should there be the need to call on it e.g. in the case of an EAD outbreak. Fully integrated traceability system with common technology across the states is a sound future state.

 

  • A policy change was recommended:

 

RECOMMENDATION TO BOARD That WPA supports a fully integrated traceability system that meets the national traceability standards

 

 

NSHMP Update

  • Provision of date from the NSHMP was discussed in light of other parties not willing to provide at cost price. Development of value of data will be required and AHA will seek information on the value of this data.
  • WPA representatives on the Footrot Working Group discussed.
  • Discussion on Footrot including the Auctions Plus terms of sale footrot related question discussed and need for notifiability of footrot being questioned in some states.

 

NOJDMP and SheepMAP review updates

  • An overview of the two reviews and the level of engagement and media interest was given.
  • The SheepMAP review has already closed and report is expected in April.
  • The NOJDMP review is open until 12 March. All Committee members were encouraged to make a submission.

 

Feral Pig Action Plan 

  • An update on progress with this project was given. The next step is to aim to have pigs recognised as “established pests”.

 

ACTION  Work on Feral Pig Action Plan will continue

 

Biosecurity Strategy

  • Successful workshop held on the 27 February with excellent collaboration between all areas of the sheep industry
  • Reference committee to be formed

 

Brokers and Agents EAD Training

  • An update on this project was provided noting that the process is now well under way, with the consultants developing materials and working with steering committee.

 

Nepal Real Time FMD Training

  • An update was provided on the success of the program and the applicants for the 2018 courses.

 

Other EAD Training

  • Liaison training: 29 May 2018, Melbourne
  • Any other states that wish to hold Liaison training, please contact Amanda
  • CCEAD training for industry vets is being held in March. We have three vets being training, sourced through the EAD network we have developed and through the Sheep, Goat and Camelid Vet association.

 

Sheep CRC

  • Presentation from Lewis Kahn, the Sheep CRC’s program leader for animal wellbeing on AskBill which gives farm input and meteorological data from the BOM combined, including quality assurance measures such as a daily log on fly strike.
  • Commercialisation discussions are continuing.

 

 

Member Issues

  • Member feedback suggested that feet, lice and worms were the main issues affecting the animal health and welfare space. The committee agreed by consensus that these should be priority areas for WPA to focus on, in addition to mulesing and flystrike. Live transport was also acknowledged as an issue.
  • An update on the CISS and the 10 year research and investment plan was given. A more detailed report will be given at the next meeting.

 

Next Meeting

  • 30 May, 2018, Melbourne

 

Meeting closed: 4.30pm

 

 

Minutes – Executive Summary

 

Thursday, 1 March, 2018

AHA

95 Northbourne Avenue

Turner, ACT, 2616

 

Meeting opened – 8:30am

 

Call for General Business

  • NSW Farmers; Q Fever Vaccination
  • WPA Animal Health and Welfare Advisory Committee Meeting

 

Health and Welfare Resolutions

 

MOTION That WPA supports a fully integrated traceability system that meets the national traceability standards

 

MOTION WoolProducers approach AWEX again regarding NWD becoming a condition of sale in acknowledgement that the SHD in now a condition of sale for AuctionsPlus

 

Minutes of Previous Meetings

GIC Update – Advice received that money will be paid out of the 15th of February (WA received a letter), however to date no money has been received

 

ACTION CEO to follow up with GIC regarding the payment of dividends to shareholders

 

President’s Report                                                                         

The President’s Report was noted with the following points of note:

  • November meeting with President and CEO of SheepProducers Australia
  • 2018 priority setting
  • Shearing industry drug and alcohol policy finalisation
  • Industry Consultative Committee

CEO Report                                                                                        

The CEO’s Report was noted. Points of note included:

  • Sheep sustainability framework update
  • Meeting with Woolworths regarding mulesing
  • Government and ministerial relations
  • NSWFA Board Meeting

 

Finance, Audit and Risk Committee Report (Confidential)

The CEO spoke to the tabled report in conjunction with the second quarter financial reporting, revised budget and administrative shared services proposal. Discussion included:

  • Leadership in Agriculture Fund income
  • Shared Services Model

Member Issues

NSWFA Motion – Shearing Safety

  • It was agreed that this issue would be discussed at the Shearing Safety agenda item

 

WA Farmers – Objective measurement of moisture in sheep at shearing

 

ACTION Clarify from WA Farmers if they have written to AWI and AWEX regarding the objective measurement of moisture in sheep at shearing time

 

Governance

Priority Setting Update

The tabled paper was discussed, with a focus on:

  • Director engagement
  • State verse national interests
  • Member communications
  • Strategic training for Board
  • Relationships with key stakeholders

 

Policy Determination

2018 Policy Issues

The tabled paper was noted and discussed. Focus areas for policy 2018:

  • Mulesing
  • Traceability
  • OJD and Sheep MAP Reviews
  • Graziers Investment Company
  • Wool RD&E strategy

 

New Projects for 2018:

Feral Pigs Action Plan – already discussed in H&W agenda

Leadership in Agriculture – to be discussed at Agenda Item 2.3

Shearing Safety

 

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI)

  • AWI Independent Review
    • Independent review announced Tuesday 27 February
    • CEO and President met with Elizabeth Scott (Minister Littleproud’s Advisor) on 28 February, to discuss concern with independence of the review. Further clarification was sought on the process, including the methodology. It was highlighted that previous reviews were not deemed independent. DAWR will be involved in this review, WPA insisted that industry be involved.
  • EOIs for the review process have been sent out by DAWR and has not included anyone who has undertaken the process in the past
  • A list of issues to be included into the review submission has been collated
  • WPA to continue push to be Representative Organisation for wool industry

 

ACTION CEO to meet with NFF, Minister Littleproud’s office and DAWR to discuss AWI Independent Review of Performance in the next week

 

AWI Presentation – Peta Slack-Smith and Emma Gittoes

Review of Performance

  • Statutory requirement to do review of performance every three years
  • Independent company will be commissioned by the government. The terms of reference (ToR) include governance and industry interviews. The additional matters (5) within TOR were determined by the senate committee and drafted by DAWR
  • AWI welcome the review
  • Government can at any time under the Statutory Funding Agreement look into additional matters
  • This review will be funded 50:50 between AWI and government
  • Review of Performance needs to be completed and sent out with the WoolPoll voting papers

 

Concerns around independence and media reporting were raised and it was confirmed that the Department is solely undertaking selection of the independent reviewer.

 

WoolPoll

  • Commenced preparation November 2017, with Syd Lawrie selected by AWI as WoolPoll Panel Chair
  • Selection Committee was convened for the first time to appoint the panel, including representatives from DAWR, an AWI director (Jock Laurie), ICC representative (Richard Halliday) and Syd Lawrie
  • 32 nominations received for panel
  • AWI created a shortlist, and developed a selection criteria. The shortlist and full list of nominees were provided to the selection committee for decision on final panel
  • Diverse panel created
  • Role and responsibilities, roles of panel vs roles of AWI according to the legislation and communication ideas were discussed at the initial Panel meeting
  • Next meeting, end of March, followed by a meeting May
  • July/Aug for rollout

 

Questions around transparency and accountability around the levy options were raised. A letter to SFOs, state stud breeders for advice on levy options will be sent from the Panel chair.

 

It was advised that Panel members will need complete confidence that process and transparency are to the highest possible accountability. AWI advised that it was the decision of the WoolPoll chair to not disclose to the Panel the outcome of responses from consulted groups on rate recommendations. WPA Board noted that this was not appropriate.

 

An overview of animal welfare and supply sustainability was provided, noting that traceability is of high importance to the trade.

 

The NWD is an important tool that can be utilised for provenance and product integrity. It was advised that the NWD being a condition of sale would be strongly supported by the consumer end of the supply chain.

 

WoolPoll

Discussions surrounded:

  • unanimous agreement between WPA WoolPoll Panel members that the Panel has only been convened for promotion
  • AWI still make the decision on the levy options
  • From the information provided at the Panel meeting, justification of accountability to rationalise any kind of increase is missing
  • 5% must be included in the levy options
  • Panel members recommended that the previously used position by AWI of ‘if growers are not happy vote zero’, should not be used as growers shouldn’t have to be put in the position of using the levy as a measure of performance of the AWI Board
  • The road show is an expensive activity and cannot be justified

 

Leadership in Agriculture Fund – Raising the Baa

The tabled paper was discussed.

  • WPA in-kind contribution is now $240,000
  • Redirection of funds may be useful to the board for strategic planning purposes, however this will require an amendment to the activity plan

 

Shearing Safety

The finalised policy was considered. The ‘may be entitled to pay’ reference was discussed –  this was the compromise position with the AWU, given there is provision for this in the award, although not specified. There will be a joint media release with members of the reference group to announce the policy’s finalisation.

 

MOTION That WoolProducers ratifies the Shearing Industries Drug & Alcohol Policy

 

The Shearing Industries Drug & Alcohol Reference Group will continue to meet

Issues being raised:

  • Scalping incident in central western NSW due to overhead gear
  • Size of sheep

 

The NSW Farmers motion to consider rebate opportunities to encourage wool growers to upgrade their shearing facilities was considered.

 

Discussions surrounded the fact that there are no minimum standards only best practice guidelines for shearing shed safety. There was acknowledgement that the use of belt driven overhead gear is a safety concern and that wool growers should be encouraged to look at the safety of their equipment and remind them of their duty of care responsibilities. Suitable working environment including amenities will be part of the awareness.

 

It was discussed at the priority setting day that WPA could initiate a promotional campaign surrounding shearing shed upgrades to improve shearing safety.

 

MOTION That WoolProducers develop a national awareness campaign regarding safe work environments in the shearing industry

 

The increasing size of sheep has also been raised in the context of being a safety concern. This could be a research opportunity.

 

SheepCRC

An update of the current situation was provided.

 

The Board considered the letter from the SheepCRC and determined that more information will need to be provided before the 20th of March SheepCRC Participants Meeting. WPAs decision will be contingent on the outcome of the response to the below action item.

 

Transaction Levy Review

The tabled paper was discussed. It was noted that in-principle support has been given to the review previously. The Board reiterated that WPA were best placed to represented wool growers in this review, given that wool growers contribute significantly to the transaction levy.

 

ACACA Grant Proposal

The tabled paper was noted.

 

MOTION WPA agrees to make an application for funding from the ACACA Program: Grant to Grow Trade with China

 

Representation

Industry Services Advisory Committee (ISAC)

A verbal update was provided, including:

  • The next meeting will be held on 26 March
  • Recent media from AWEX regarding the misuse of stencils particularly by those who have not completed training

 

It was also reported that the AWI CEO presented at the VFF Livestock Committee and stated that a Woolmark stencil will be provided to all growers to brand bales. It was thought that this could compromise the integrity of the brand.

 

ACTION President to raise Woolmark branding at next ICC meeting

 

Discussion surrounded the fact that there are now three E-specifications being developed by AWI, AWEX and AWH. Disappointment was noted that the two industry service providers are unable to work together, resulting in duplication in expenditure of funds ultimately paid by wool growers.

 

AWI Industry Consultative Committee

The information from the ICC Information Pack was noted. It was noted that the report on the New Zealand mulesing trip has not yet been received.

 

General Business

  • The NSWFA motion on Q Fever was discussed.

 

MOTION WPA is to write to the Australian Meat Industry Corporation to support the development of a new Q fever vaccination

 

WPA Animal Health and Welfare Advisory Committee Membership

It was agreed that WPA would offer the opportunity for:

  • Representative (as observer) from SPA be invited to H&W Committee
  • Representative (as observer) from AHA be invited to H&W Committee

 

Both of these positions will be self-funding.

 

ACTION Write to SPA and AHA inviting them to provide a representative to attend the WPA Animal Health and Welfare Advisory Committee meetings in the capacity of observer

 

2018 Meetings

  • 30 (H&W) & 31 May (Exec), 2018, Melbourne
  • 30 (H&W) & 31 August (Exec), 2018, TBC
  • 14 (H&W) & 15 November (Exec & AGM), 2018, Sydney

 

 

Meeting close: 4.00pm