Sheep Producers Australia appoints new board of director

Sheep Producers Australia has announced the appointment of Brendan Tatham for one of its two Board Director positions.

The peak body industry said it made the vote during its annual general meeting on 22 November 2022.

Tatham brings to Sheep Producers Australia his experience in strategic leadership from his roles in the public sector, including food safety and supply chain security, meat and livestock research and development, emergency management and regulatory compliance.

He has an Honours Degree in Agricultural Science and a PhD in Biotechnology.

Speaking on his new role, Tatham said improving traceability will be a key part of SPA’s strategy to help the nation’s sheep industry grow.

“My appointment as a Board Director of Sheep Producers Australia will enable me to further support the sheep industry and is timely with my experience working with industry and government in the implementation of electronic identification of sheep in Victoria,” Tatham said on his new role.

SPA Independent Chair Andrew Spencer also welcomed Tatham’s latest appointment.

“Brendan has worked across a range of industries and coordinated at the state level, the management of major incidents including emergency management in animal welfare, food safety, biosecurity, natural disasters, mining, and energy sectors,” Spencer said.

“We welcome Brendan’s appointment and look forward to working with him and having his contribution to the Board,” he said.

SPA also announced that Jamie Heinrich will continue as SPA’s director for a third term, as well as acknowledged the important role of outgoing directors Allison Horswill and Dr Anne Astin as they retire.

“I am looking forward to continuing as a Director of Sheep Producers Australia,” said Heinrich.

“As a producer I am passionate about the industry and what this organisation can do to provide strategic leadership for Australia’s sheep industry that supports a productive, profitable, and sustainable future,” he said.

“It is an exciting time, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Board and management team.”

Spencer also spoke on Heinrich’s reappointment, as well as thanked Horswill and Astin for their contributions to the organisation.

“The Board, staff and members would like to thank Allison for her time on the Board and the incredible contribution she has made,” he said.

“We welcome the re-appointment of Jamie and the value his knowledge and producer perspective in Board discussions and decisions. Anne’s contribution and guidance in her role as Independent Director and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee has been key in seeing the organisations growth and financial stability.”

For SPA moving forward, it will focus on supporting national traceability implementation.

“To ensure a national harmonised is in place that works for all stakeholders throughout the supply chain,” Spencer concluded.

Source: Sheep Producers Australia media release. Content has been edited for style and length.