Wine Australia welcomes new Board

Wine Australia welcomes Saturday’s announcement from the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP, that five non-executive directors have been appointed to the Wine Australia Board to serve a three-year term from 1 October 2024.

Minister Collins appointed the new Board members following an extensive selection process undertaken by an independent selection committee, which was appointed by industry body Australian Grape & Wine.

The new directors are:

• Dr Angeline Achariya, Victoria
• Ms Roslyn Baker, Queensland
• Mr Andrew Kay, South Australia
• Ms Elizabeth Riley, New South Wales
• Ms Peta Slack-Smith, Victoria.

They will join incumbent Chair, Dr Michele Allan AO, in empowering the success of the Australian grape and wine sector at Wine Australia.

Minister Collins stated that “the new Wine Australia directors are suitably qualified and together possess a wealth of skills, expertise and board experience.”

Dr Martin Cole, Chief Executive Officer at Wine Australia, welcomed the new appointments.

“I thank the Minister for appointing the new Board members and look forward to meeting and working with them over the course of their three-year term,” said Dr Cole.  

“The recent launch of the One Grape & Wine Sector Plan has highlighted urgent and longer-term priorities for the sector, with a need for strong leadership through a time of significant commercial, technical and environmental challenges.

“With a new Wine Australia five-year strategic plan to commence in 2025, and the responsibility of delivering the priorities of the sector wide One Grape & Wine Sector Plan, we are at a critical time for the Australian grape and wine industry. It is important that sector leaders are equipped with the knowledge and passion to work towards a sector that is innovative, profitable, resilient and sustainable,” Dr Cole said.

Dr Cole also acknowledged the significant contributions of outgoing Directors, who conclude their term on 30 September 2024, many of whom served multiple terms on the Board:

• Ms Cath Oates
• Ms Catherine Cooper
• Ms Frances-Anne Keeler
• Mr Mitchell Taylor
• Mr John Lloyd, and
• Mr Justin Brown.

“The leadership demonstrated by the outgoing Board has been vital in navigating what has been arguably the most unique set of challenges the sector has faced; from the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters including bushfires and floods, the imposition – and eventual removal – of import duties by China, and an oversupply problem exacerbated by declining consumption trends,” stated Dr Cole.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have had their support, guidance and advice since commencing in my role with Wine Australia. Their vision and expertise have been critical through significant challenges and the sector has benefitted greatly from their contributions.”

Wine Australia is a co-funded partnership between the grape and wine sector and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. By investing in research, innovation, extension and adoption that deliver tangible benefits to grapegrowers and winemakers; market development that continues to provide new opportunities to raise the profile and reputation of Australian wine; and pursuing and protecting market access opportunities for producers and exporters, levies and matched funds from the government create impact and value for the sector.