Industry reform touted to create unity and strengthen representation

MEDIA RELEASE

​Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) and Australian Vignerons (AV) have entered into formal discussions on a potential amalgamation of the two industry bodies, to create a single united peak body, to represent the Australian grape and wine sector at the federal level.

WFA Chief Executive, Tony Battaglene commented on the proposal of a single body, saying “there have been discussions over the years for reform of the grape and wine sector representative bodies, with a particular sentiment for greater unity and representation of the sector as a whole”.

“It is clear to me, that political parties of all persuasions would welcome representation from a single body for the grape and wine sector and our advocacy efforts would be muchstronger” Mr Battaglene said.

WFA and AV have been holding discussions on how to achieve better service delivery for the whole sector. AV Chief Executive Officer, Anna Hooper said “the creation of a single body will provide stronger representation for our members, improve efficiency and increase positive outcomes for the entire grape and wine sector. This proposal demonstrates a fantastic example of collaboration and leadership that Australian Vignerons is proud to be part of. We look forward to the prospect of being able to deliver more for our members, and the sector as a whole, should the membership support the proposed reform”.

WFA and AV are nowin formal discussions on the structure of a single organisation, with the objective of a vote on the amalgamated body to be presented to Members in November 2018.

Both WFA and AV Boards support thesemoves, and believe that this is an important first step to better deliver outcomes for the sector as a whole, and will enable the delivery of a program of work that will benefit all sector participants.

The Australian Vignerons website has more information about this topic available for growers. To visit the website, click here.