For the first time in its history the WoolPoll will go to a preference count after none of the options received the required 50 per cent majority on the first count.
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Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) said it had been advised that the vote between the option of a 1.5 per cent levy and a 2 per cent levy was very close, with the counting of preferences needed to determine the final outcome.
Australian Wool Innovation CEO Stuart McCullough said AWI was encouraged by the strong level of participation in WoolPoll 2018, with 13,506 votes cast, representing 28.67 per cent of individual voters and 55.92 per cent of total votes.
This number was up from the previous WoolPoll vote in 2015 when 12,912 votes were cast, representing 31.83 per cent of voters and 50.68 per cent of total votes.
“This is the first time the vote has gone to preferences. Given wool prices and the drought conditions affecting much of the industry, we acknowledge and understand that some growers feel a 1.5 per cent levy is an appropriate levy rate to be paying at this time, Mr McCullogh said.
The procedure for applying the optional preferential voting system is set out in the WoolPoll regulations and on the ballot papers.
Mr McCullough said the company was seeking additional independent advice to ensure the process was rigorous.
“Regardless of the final outcome, AWI is as committed as ever to investing the money it receives from the levy effectively and efficiently and delivering results for all woolgrowers,” Mr McCullogh said.
On November 14 , AWI will convene a meeting of the WoolPoll Panel meeting to endorse the process.
“WoolPoll is one of the fundamental principles of AWI, providing growers with the democratic opportunity every three years to vote on the levy rate they pay to fund to research, development and marketing activities,” he said.
