THE VICTORIAN government has announced the formation of the Victorian Agricultural Advisory Council, which it hopes will guide the state on issues facing agriculture industries.
Agriculture and Food Security minister Peter Walsh said in a media release the group will respond to issues as they arise.
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“The VAAC will provide advice in response to various industry pressures as they arise, including how seasonal and economic conditions are impacting Victoria’s agricultural and rural communities,” he said.
“The VAAC’s inaugural members have been selected because they have a diverse range of expertise and experience across fields including agricultural industry development, banking, regional development, community health and small business.
“I am very pleased to announce Michael Taylor AO as the Council’s chair. Mr Taylor has a distinguished public service career, with more than 15 years as Secretary for several Commonwealth departments including Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“I expect the Council to contribute to the development of best-practice agriculture policy by providing the Coalition Government with accurate, timely, robust advice that is backed up by sound evidence.”
Inaugural members of the group are:
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- Michael Taylor AO
- Mark Bennett / ANZ Banking Group
- Susan Brumby / National Centre for Farmer Health
- James Flintoft / Department of Environment and Primary Industries
- Alexandra Gartmann / Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
- Rob Goudswaard / Rural Finance Corporation
- Dennis O’Connor / O’Connor’s Case IH – Farm Machinery
- Bernie O’Sullivan / Department of Environment and Primary Industries
- Peter Tuohey / Victorian Farmers Federation
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