The Concerned Elders have welcomed the appointment of new directors, but urgently call for the Australian Government to finalise the appointment of a new chair for Wine Australia
In a letter to WBM – Australia’s Wine Business Magazine, The Concerned Elders applauded the Government for appointing two additional wine industry experienced Wine Australia board members.
“Stephen Strachan, former CEO of the wine industry representative body, the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia, and Darryn Hakof, senior international marketing/sales executive formerly of Pernod Ricard, will together add much needed wine industry experience and understanding to the Wine Australia board,” says Louisa Rose, chair of The Concerned Elders.
“The government’s actions are consistent with the Concerned Elders’ expression of dismay at the lack of wine industry experience on the board when it was appointed in September 2024, and our demand for the appointment of two additional wine industry knowledgeable members.
“The Concerned Elders urge the Government to expedite the selection of the new chair of Wine Australia to replace Dr Michelle Allan AO, whose term has ended, and who has been in the chair through some of the industry’s most difficult circumstances for the past six years.
“The Concerned Elders ask that the government appoint a wine industry-literate and invested chair as soon as possible to guide the board as it addresses the most challenging strategic environment of the modern global wine industry.
“Our capable statisticians and globally respected economists have provided the analysis that points to a very different future for Australian and global wine.
“We implore the Government to give Wine Australia the capacity to map out that strategic future and to devise the inevitable and necessary adjustments to fully optimise its opportunity to continue to be a great contributor to the Australian economy.
“The urgent strategic planning demanded by the current dynamic wine industry environment, requires the guidance of a Wine Australia chair who has intimate knowledge and experience of each step of our complex vertically integrated industry from the vineyard to the consumer.”
The Concerned Elders wish to support and work with Australian Grape & Wine (AGW) in redefining Wine Australia’s agenda.
“AGW is the formally government-recognised representative body for the Australian wine industry, and Government should work with AGW on the appointment of the new Wine Australia chair and to ensure Wine Australia is meeting the wine industry’s expectations and requirements.”
Louisa said The Concerned Elders are not a closed group, and welcome anyone like-minded to join.
“The Concerned Elders have a high level of respect and confidence in the multiple workings and output of Wine Australia, and admire the expertise, dedication and exemplary service provided by their people,” Louisa said.
“Wine Australia is envied as a model around the wine world.”
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