New members join Indonesia-Australia meat partnership

Five new members have joined the Indonesia-Australia Partnership on Food Security in the Red Meat and Cattle Sector, including two with extensive exporting experience - one of whom is a major meat processor.

“The partnership is an important component of the Australian Government’s $60 million assistance package to foster a deeper partnership between the meat industries in Australia and Indonesia that was reaffirmed by the Prime Minister last year,” said Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.

“The members of the partnership will bring much needed on-the-ground knowledge, experience and expertise to the major bilateral initiative that brings together well-recognised and established people from both countries.

“The partnership provides a way for government and industry in Australia and Indonesia to work together. Our aim is to improve the productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of the red meat and cattle sector.”

The five new non-government members are:

• Terry Nolan, who brings livestock processing and exporting experience.
• Ken Warriner, who brings producing, exporting and business and investment experience.
• Catherine Marriott, who brings capacity and relationship-building experience in the livestock sector.
• Chris Barnes, who brings business and investment experience.
• Gary Stark, who brings producing and agricultural engineering experience.

The members join three Australian Government representatives and Indonesian industry and government members. They all already have strong working relationships with Indonesia.

“As a group, the partnership members will drive forward positive change and reaffirm our commitment to Indonesia and our ongoing cattle and red meat trade,” Minister Joyce said.

“As a government, we’re eager to explore opportunities and build partnerships that transfer skills and build local industries - here and in Indonesia.

“Improving the prospects for long-term investment and trade in red meat and cattle into Indonesia remains a high priority for the Australian Government.”

More information is available from the partnership secretariat by calling (02) 6272 4046