AWI well progressed with ROP implementation

The 2015-18 ROP report is a 500-page report based on a review conducted by Ernst & Young, which was engaged by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in accordance with the announcement of the then minister, David Littleproud, on February 27, 2018, said AWI in a press release.

More than 1300 documents were submitted by AWI as part of the forensic examination, with the views of more than 400 woolgrowers recorded, together with 56 written submissions and face-to-face interviews with over 100 stakeholders and public comment.

The report made 82 recommendations with the areas of monitoring and evaluation, consultation and governance being the focus. The recommendations ranged in levels of importance from 'mandatory' to 'critical' and 'recommended' and provide the company with timing suggestions for completion, helping to pave the way for greater consultation, transparency and accountability.

“We have been working through our implementation plan which provides a comprehensive three-year roadmap to successfully action all 82 recommendations included in the ROP,” said WI chief executive officer Stuart McCullough. “We are pleased with our progress to date achieving an overall implementation rate of 76 per cent, with 31 of the recommendations completed in full.

“The ROP was also instrumental in guiding our new strategic plan, with recommendations related to consultation and measurement and evaluation integral parts of the new strategic document.”

“In March this year, AWI and woolgrower representative groups reached consensus on the company’s response to five recommendations in the ROP that involve proposed changes to AWI’s constitution relating to its democratic election model,” added McCullough. “We agree with industry that these proposed changes to the AWI constitution are in the best interests of Australian woolgrowers and should be put to shareholders at our 2019 and 2020 annual general meetings.

“As reflected in our implementation roadmap and in AWI’s new strategic plan, we are committed to continuing to listen to and consult with industry to ensure we meet the expectations of woolgrowers, our levy-payers, woolgrower representative groups and government.”

“Our plan provides a clear blueprint for continual improvement to the organisation. We see great value in ongoing business improvement to ensure we continue to support Australian woolgrowers and ensure they get the best price for their wool,” added McCullough.

AWI has a statutory obligation through the Statutory Funding Agreement (SFA) to provide its implementation plan to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Resources. (PC)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India