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Appendix 6: GRDC Selection Committee
The Hon Sussan Ley MP
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Ms Ley
GRAINS REASEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SELECTION COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2005-2006
The following report summarises the activities of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Selection Committee for the reporting period to 30 June 2006.
Establishment of the Selection Committee
On 19 April 2005, Senator Colbeck, the then Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, reappointed Mr. Dennis Mutton as Presiding Member of the GRDC Board Selection Committee. Mr Mutton was appointed for a period until 30 April 2008, in accordance with subsection 122(1) of the PIERD Act1989.
In accordance with section 124 of the PIERD Act, nominations were sought for members of the Selection Committee from the GRDC's representative industry organisation, the Grains Council of Australia, and the Parliamentary Secretary appointed the following people on 2 June 2005:
Members
- Mr Murray Jones
- Mr Douglas Clarke
- Mr Ian Hastings
- Mr Greg Schulz
Selection Process
In accordance with the above Act applications were called through placing advertisements in National, State and regional newspapers during the period 23-28 May 2005. The closing date for applications was 14 June 2005. In addition representative organisations were also contacted directly.
A total of 118 applications were received and the Selection Committee in establishing a short list for further consideration and interview, considered all applications. The Committee also was briefed on the future strategic directions of the Corporation.
Following detailed review of candidates 17 applications were scheduled for interview, which took place on 25 and 26 July 2005 in Melbourne. Referee checks were then conducted as required.
Board Appointments
Upon completion of the process in accordance with section 131 of the PIERD Act, the Selection Committee forwarded six nominations to the Parliamentary Secretary on 7August 2005. The Parliamentary Secretary accepted the nominations and made the following appointments on 23 September 2005 for a three-year term commencing on 1 October 2005.
- Ms. Nicole Birrell. An independent consultant in governance and business management. Nicole also holds a number of directorships in not for profit and business enterprises. She brings to the GRDC significant capability in finance, compliance and economics with her experience gained in Australia and internationally. Her expertise also includes administration of research and development and direct involvement in the grains industry.
- Mr. Steve Marshall. An independent consultant in strategic review, global food assurance systems and organisational development with extensive international experience in food manufacturing directly related to the grains industry. Steve has qualifications in food science and technology. He brings expertise in administration of research and development, technology transfer and marketing. He is also a Director of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
- Dr. Donald Plowman. Appointed for a second term. An experienced research administrator with involvement in technology transfer, commercialisation of intellectual property and intergovernmental relations. His demonstrated capabilities also incorporate natural resource and environmental management and a comprehensive understanding of the primary industry sector.
- Prof. Timothy Reeves. A highly regarded scientist and science administrator both in Australia and internationally including as Director General of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, CIMMYT, in Mexico for seven years. His international grains research experience and knowledge provide strong input to research priority setting in all areas of interest to the grains industry. Tim also maintains a strong network throughout the farming community.
- Mr. Ross Johns. Appointed for a second term. A grain farmer and businessman with extensive experience in international grain marketing. He is also a Board Member of ABB Grain Ltd. He brings a perspective of regional Australia and the challenges and solutions in achieving viable rural industries. His demonstrated capabilities also include business management, grains production and processing and the management of natural resources.
- Mr. Philip Young. Qualified in agricultural science and economics with direct experience in grain production, processing and marketing, administration of research and development, and the management of natural resources. Philip consults internationally in agricultural related areas and was the inaugural Chair of Australian Grain Technology. He brings strong business and economic management expertise to the Board as well as extensive experience in technology transfer.
| Expenditure by the Selection Committee to 30 June 2006 was: | |
| Item Expenditure | $ |
|---|---|
| Advertising | 10,211.85 |
| Consultants | 6,499.00 |
| Presiding Member Sitting Fees | 6,250.00 |
| Expenses Associated with Selection Process (Including airfares of members and candidates) | 28,960.69 |
| Total | 51,921.54 |
Yours sincerely
Dennis Mutton
Presiding Member
Grains Research and Development Corporation Selection Committee

