Strategic Investments

The dairy industry body, Dairy Australia, has a responsibility to consult with industry in determining its investment strategies and priorities.

Who Dairy Australia is Accountable To

Dairy Australia is accountable to two groups of members: Group A who are dairy farmers; and Group B who are industry organisations heavily involved in the development and assessment of Dairy Australia’s Strategic and Annual Operating Plans.  As the dairy industry’s service organisation however, Dairy Australia is also accountable to its wider levy-payer dairy farmers as well as the Australian Government for the effective and efficient expenditure of Dairy Service Levy funds and the Government’s matching contributions.

Who Has a Say in the Direction of Dairy Australia

Anybody who pays Dairy Service Levy contributions from the proceeds of their milk sales is eligible to become a Group A member of Dairy Australia, have a say in the direction of the Company, propose and vote on resolutions and vote in the election of its Directors.  This annual process is not linked to this levy poll and it is important to know that anyone who pays a Dairy Service Levy contribution may vote in this levy poll and need not be a member of Dairy Australia.

Investment by Business Objectives

In line with its guiding principles, every investment decision by Dairy Australia must pass its self-imposed, mandatory hurdle: Is this investment being made for the ultimate benefit of levy payers?

This means seeking the best investment opportunities along the value chain.  While the largest total investment is in direct on-farm activities, there are significant investments and opportunities in other areas that provide benefits to farmers such as trade reform, improvements to processing and the pursuit of higher value markets and products.