The key recommendations from an independent review into Horticulture Australia Limited (HAL) have been released for consideration by industry and government.
They include a proposal to transition HAL into a grower-owned research and development corporation (RDC). The RDC would have an independent board, with a 50:50 split between appointed and elected directors. Voting rights under the new RDC would be proportional to levy dollars paid by each member’s respective industry. Consulting firm Acil Allen, which published the recommendations today (9 May) after conducting the independent review, said this structure would strengthen grower representation within the department body.
The recommendations also encourage greater transparency in terms of how industry levies are managed. This would see members of the new RDC regularly vote on levy rates and discuss the use of funds, along with the effectiveness of R&D programmes.
In an attempt to deliver better value for money, the recommendations suggest the removal of Industry Advisory Committees (IAC), which currently aim up to facilitate communication between industry sectors and HAL. According to Acil Allen, IAC’s are costly and unwieldy, with the purpose of the new entity: “to maximise the strategic contribution and minimise the conflicts of interests for the advisory function it creates and operates.”
Other suggestions include; the introduction of a cost-based charge for industry services, a reduction in the number of levy types and a move away from uniform paperwork.
HAL chief executive John Lloyd said the HAL Board would respond to the final report and recommendations within the next three months, following consultation with members during a series of member workshops to be held later this month. “HAL looks forward to continuing to play a key role in maintaining the competitiveness of Australian horticulture for the benefit of members, growers and the wider community,” Lloyd said.
