Former United Dairyfarmers of Victoria leaders Shirley Harlock, of Warrnambool, and Adam Jenkins, of South Purrumbete, will be part of the team to advise on reform options.
Reform of current dairy industry structure and advocacy arrangements was highlighted as a priority issue during workshops that kicked off the formation of the dairy plan.
A Joint Transition Team (JTT) has been appointed to recommend options for transformational change, which will form part of the plan’s report to be published by the end of the year.
The team will report to the Australian Dairy Plan committee.
Australian Dairy Plan chairman John Brumby said the number one issue during consultation meetings was reform of current industry structure and advocacy arrangements.
Membership of the JTT is: Shirley Harlock, Adam Jenkins, Bruce Donnison, Victoria/Tasmania, Lauren Finger, Victoria, Wes Judd, Queensland, Michele Lawrence, Tasmania, Greg McNamara and Malcolm Holm, NSW.
United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Paul Mumford said it appeared the appointees had the appropriate skills.
“But really industry needs to know a little bit more information on their qualifications and how they were chosen,” Mr Mumford said.
He said he felt the members had the ability to move the $14 billion industry forward.
“It’s a mammoth task, not only for the chairs, but also John Brumby and the JTT,” he said.
“They are not small issues we are dealing with and dairy has only one go to fix the industry.”