Five new directors appointed for Wine Australia board

The Albanese Labor Government has appointed five new directors to the non-executive board representing the interests of the Australian wine industry.

Wine Australia invests in research, development and extension, covering issues of national importance for the local wine industry.

Directors work to ensure compliance with Wine Australia’s regulatory functions by investing in research and development, building markets and disseminating market information and knowledge.

All newly appointed, the following directors will serve a three-year term from 1 October 2024:

  • Dr Angeline Achariya, Victoria
  • Ms Roslyn Baker, Queensland
  • Mr Andrew Kay, South Australia
  • Ms Elizabeth Riley, New South Wales
  • Ms Peta Slack-Smith, Victoria.

The new appointments join Wine Australia’s incumbent Chair, Dr Michele Allan AO.

They replace the outgoing board of Ms Catherine Oates, Ms Catherine Cooper, Mrs Frances-Anne Keeler, Mr Mitchell Taylor, Mr Justine Brown and Mr John Lloyd. I thank the outgoing board members for their service.

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to helping Australia’s grape and wine sector thrive and is delivering a multimillion-dollar package to boost the sector’s long-term viability.

The Government’s $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-Term Viability Package includes an independent impact analysis led by Dr Craig Emerson concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation in the sector. Public consultation for the analysis is now open.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“The new Wine Australia directors are suitably qualified and together possess a wealth of skills, expertise and board experience.

“They will help foster and encourage profitable, resilient and sustainable Australian winegrape and wine businesses.

“Wine Australia is well positioned to continue supporting a competitive wine sector, growing domestic and international markets and protecting the reputation of Australian wine, thanks in great measure to the contributions of the outgoing board members.”