Premium selection for Wine Australia board

MINISTER for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud has appointed five new directors to the board of Wine Australia.

The board will lead the industry with investments in research and development including the $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package.

“The new directors have invaluable experience which will make sure our world class wine industry is a world leader,” Mr Littleproud said.

“They’ll be working hard to increase returns to Australian wine producers by growing local and overseas markets and upholding the industry’s reputation.”

New directors and reappointments to September 30 2021 are:

• Dr Michele Allan, VIC – Chair, Meat and Livestock Australia and Apple and Pear Australia
• Ms Catherine Cooper, SA – Principal, Cooper Consult Pty Ltd; Deputy Chair, Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Australian Egg Corporation
• Dr Brian Croser AO, SA – Winemaker/Director Tapanappa Wines Pty Ltd (reappointment)
• Professor Peter HOJ, QLD – Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Queensland
• Ms Cath Oates, WA – Owner/Operator, Oates Ends and Cath Oates Wine Consulting
• Ms Mary Retallack, SA – Managing Director, Retallack Viticulture Pty Ltd (reappointment)
• Mr Mitchell Taylor, NSW – Managing Director and Winemaker, Taylors Wines Pty Ltd.

Mr Littleproud said the Australian wine industry has set itself an ambitious target to boost wine exports to $3.5 billion and attract 40,000 extra international tourists to our wine regions over three years.

“I’m confident this new board has what it takes to achieve the industry’s goals and will use the research funds available to do the job,” Mr Littleproud said.

“I thank the outgoing directors Ms Eliza Brown, Mr David Dearie, Mr Edouard Peter, Mr Keith Todd and Dr Kim Williams for their great work.

“They have set up the Australian wine community for future success including the roll-out of the export and regional wine support package and strategic plan 2015-2020.”