Elizabeth (Liz) Riley. Image Scarborough Wine Co.
Five new appointments have been made to the board of Wine Australia, which were announced by Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins on Saturday.
The newly appointed directors will serve a three-year term from 1 October 2024:
- Dr Angeline Achariya, Victoria
- Roslyn Baker, Queensland
- Andrew Kay, South Australia
- Elizabeth Riley, New South Wales
- Peta Slack-Smith, Victoria
They join the current chair, Dr Michele Allan AO, and replace outgoing board members Catherine Oates, Catherine Cooper, Frances-Anne Keeler, Mitchell Taylor, Justin Brown, and John Lloyd.
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.
“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,” said 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.”
Lee McLean, chief executive officer of Australian Grape & Wine, also acknowledged the new appointments and thanked the outgoing directors for their efforts during “a period of significant transformation”.
“It is essential that the new board works closely with Australian Grape & Wine to strengthen and encourage profitable, resilient, and sustainable winegrape and wine businesses, ensuring that Australian wine is well placed to overcome the current challenges and thrive on both the domestic and international stage,” said McLean.
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