THE process to find the taskforce that will oversee a significant reform for the red meat and livestock sector will remain open until October 3, with significant interest already received.
Expressions of interest for membership for the Green Paper for the Red Meat Memorandum of Understanding Review Taskforce opened last week following the announcement of the review.
The Red Meat Advisory Council made the announcement during an event in Canberra.
The Green Paper will be chaired by Jim Varghese AM, a renowned policy thinker who has held various public service roles including Director-General roles in Main Roads, the Department of Education, Employment and Training and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.
RMAC chair Don Mackay said participation in the Taskforce was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to reforming the Red Meat MOU and bringing it into line with the needs of today’s industry, red meat retailers and the community.
“After more than twenty years it is time to take a critical look at the Red Meat MOU to ensure it is meaningfully contributing to growing the value and reputation of Australia’s 82,000 red meat businesses,” said Mr Mackay.
“This review is about creating real value for Australia’s red meat and livestock businesses and enabling industry to be able to meet future challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.
“We need high quality candidates including policy making, governance, advocacy and out of the box thinkers to make this Review as comprehensive and effective as possible.”
The five Taskforce roles will be remunerated with successful candidates informed of arrangements prior to the first meeting of the scheduled for mid-October.
“The Taskforce will be responsible for undertaking comprehensive consultation with industry stakeholders, red meat retailers and the community and developing a set of recommendations for the consideration of the Minister and Red Meat MOU signatories by the end of March next year,” Mr Mackay said.
Taskforce members will be selected by RMAC, the project coordinator.