Good morning everyone,

It’s a real privilege to be sit here today as I take on the role of President of the National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia. I’m honoured by the trust you’ve placed in me, and I’m excited about the work we’ll do together.

First, I want to acknowledge Rowan. Rowan has given so much of his time, energy, and steady leadership to this Council. On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank you, Rowan — your capacity has been enormous. I also want to acknowledge our Executive Director, Robert Herrmann. Robert’s industry knowledge and experience is invaluable to National Council, ably assisted by Bianca Heaney.

I would also like to acknowledge Gerard in his role as Vice President. I know Gerard will help keep me inside the guard rails with his well-considered approach.

As we look to the future, we know our industry faces some big challenges. Markets are shifting, competition is fierce, and there are growing expectations around sustainability, transparency, and how we connect with consumers. At the same time, we have a great story to tell; wool remains one of the world’s most trusted and sustainable natural fibres. Our job is to make sure that story is heard loud and clear.

The good news is we’re not facing these challenges alone. One of the great strengths of this Council is the way we come together — to share ideas, to speak with one voice, and to back each other in. The board plays a crucial role in that, and I’m really looking forward to working alongside you all. Collaboration is the key, not just among ourselves, but across the broader industry also.

In my opinion the next period is going to be critical in how we position ourselves into the future, both as National Council but also as individual businesses. It will be very important that inside these 4 walls our discussions are robust and always without prejudice but when it comes to an agreed position we must remain united.

In regard to the commentary we have seen playing out within the media over the past few weeks, I would like to offer the following comments and opinions.

It is absolutely time that we take back the narrative on mulesing. I support the position we took recently, calling out AWI on what were clearly misguided statements, particularly in regard to market sentiment when it comes to mulesed and unmulesed wool.

That said, it does no one any good when others feel they have grounds to make public comment that may be ill informed or simply serve their own self interests.

In the interest of time, I don’t think we should open up a mulesing discussion here today. We do, I believe need to move the dial on mulesing.

In my opinion, as an industry we should seriously consider 2 stage pain relief as best practice, pre and post operative.

If this was to become the basis for AA status on the NWD and in turn the standard to gain ResponsiWool certification, we can begin to shift that dial.

This change would come at minimal cost to growers, but would significantly change the narrative.

In parallel we must encourage our R&D organisation to further prioritise work to help growers move closer towards a life after mulesing. I believe we are being naïve to think there won’t come a time when we are told as an industry we must stop.

For those of you who know me well enough you will know that I am always up for the discussion. I certainly won’t claim to know the answers, so please always pick up the phone to either myself, Rob or Gerard should you feel something needs to be discussed.

Thanks

Alistair Calvert