This years AGM was held at the Intercontinental hotel in Adelaide. The South Australian Live Exporters Association did a marvellous job hosting the industry providing one of the highlights of the event, the BBQ at the Adelaide Rowing club. Many a tall story and possible business deal was done over a fine piece of lamb or beef washed down with some good Barossa wines courtesy of Elders.
Industry meetings were well attended including Liveship, LiveAir, LERDAC, NAMP and the Protocol Committee. ALEC and LiveCorp Board meetings also went ahead making it a busy time for all involved.
AGMs of both ALEC and LiveCorp were also well attended. The highlight of these was the unanimous thanks given to Lach Mackinnon on his imminent departure form the ALEC scene. Addresses given at both AGMs centred on the work required to re-establish trading after the events of early 2011. This included warnings of the nature of opposition the industry faces - a well financed increasingly well organised opposition. A note was also made of the support of the industry by the Government and the need to ensure this support continues.
Michael Creed from NAB gave a presentation on the state of agribusiness at a global level. The presentation brought the economic crisis in Europe into perspective and its effects on agri business in Australia.
Paul Morris gave a presentation on the progress of regulatory reform in the industry. This presentation gave rise to plenty of discussion about the changes to regulation following re-opening of the Indonesian trade as well as future of trade regulation to a number of other markets and the estimated timelines involved. Overseas guests raised the issue of how Government/industry will successfully involve customer country governments in this new regulatory scheme.
The annual industry dinner hosted by Landmark saw former ABC presenter, Ian Doyle MC the evening with typical dry Australian humour appreciated by all attendees. The evening included the presentation by Eric Broad of Landmark of the Young Achiever of the Year award to Lisa Foxe from Austrex.
The launch of the long awaited book "The Australian Livestock Export Trade" was conducted by Ian McIvor. The book was well received, the first copy off the press auctions off later in the evening. The annual charity Auction this year was to benefit the Royal Flying doctor service which benefitted to the tune of $17,000. Items donated by a number of companies, included holidays, helicopter joy rides, pens and copious bottles of some excellent wines.
Once again a very successful event.
The industry would like once again to thanks the sponsors of the event