Know how your vote counts this AWI election

With only 11 days to go until the AWI AGM, WAFarmers continues to strongly urge wool growers to familiarise themselves with the voting system and recognise the importance of making their vote count.

WAFarmers Livestock Section Vice President Steve McGuire said the voting ballot could cause confusion for voters as it is not a simple for-or-against system, plus growers would be asked to vote on whether to change the number of Board directors.

“You can vote for the candidate you want, vote against those you do not want, or you can abstain from voting for a candidate entirely,” he said.

“Additionally, due to the uncertainty of the size of the Board, shareholders will be asked to vote twice for the same nominees.

“We strongly advise against abstaining from voting as it is your only chance to influence the direction of AWI into the future.”

“Only recently, AWI Chairman Wal Merriman admitted he could view the voting as it progresses; this information could result in an unfair advantage being gained and therefore alter the election outcome.

“Proxy votes are another issue entirely; the AWI constitution does not require a proxy to follow the shareholder’s voting instructions, so we encourage voters to submit their own votes wherever possible rather than use proxies.”

Mr McGuire said shareholders could change their nomination if they have already submitted a vote.

“If shareholders have already sent in a nomination – either online or by post – and wish to change their vote, they can do this by voting again online which will override any previous votes they have submitted,” he said.

Mr McGuire urged growers not to be complacent, and to get their votes in by the 15 November deadline.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is that voters understand how their voting actions – or inactions – can influence the future direction of AWI and the Australian wool industry as a whole,” he said.

“The industry needs a strong, united leadership and good governance, so please familiarise yourself with the candidates and their credentials so that you can make an informed choice this election.”

Despite there being no WA candidates, the WAFarmers Livestock Council encourages wool growers to consider casting their vote for Don MacDonald or Paul Cocking, or directing their proxies to Don MacDonald.

For more information:
Steve McGuire, WAFarmers Livestock Section Vice President | 0428 336 232
Max Watts, WAFarmers Livestock Section Executive Member | 0428 841 069
Kim Haywood, WAFarmers Livestock Executive Officer | 0475 944 319

ENDS.

All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

Recent Posts

Archives

Archives