CEO COMMENT

By Dan Galligan, CEO CANEGROWERS

POLITICAL WINDS OF CHANGE MUST CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

No doubt the fascinating federal election result has sent shockwaves through the major political parties.

While the story of this year’s campaign is yet to be fully understood, the early message is clear - voters want options and sometimes they will choose something different even if that means uncertainty.

There will be time for much-needed reflection by the two major political brands in Australia, as neither has been able to retain, let alone increase, their traditional political base.

Conversely the vote in regional Australia, and regional Queensland in particular, has remained loyal in the main.

I’m certainly no expert, but to me, much of the political commentary can be overly complicated when the simple truths are in fact the biggest drivers.

One such truth is that all politics is local. It appears to me that many voters have voted for the candidates that they feel are connected to their communities, understand their issues, and are prepared to stand up for them.

I do think that candidates from within the mainstream parties can and do deliver on these objectives, but sometimes the mood for change is just too great.

Real world of politics aside, industry organisations such as CANEGROWERS can learn lessons from this election outcome.

We too have completed our election process and I am very pleased to see a new leadership group take the reins on the Board and Policy Council.

Our 20 local grower representatives have hit the ground running and with just one formal meeting under their belt, it is very clear to me that the future for CANEGROWERS is exciting.

Enthusiasm, passion, positivity, and commitment is abundant amongst our district representatives and now, under the leadership of their new Chairman Owen Menkens, I can sense renewed optimism and drive to make a difference to everyday profitability and sustainability for growers across the state.

Our strength resides in this very local, district-based representative model, that via a very democratic process, elects a leadership group who can express their plans for the future.

Paul Schembri and the previous board leave behind a strong legacy which the staff and new grower leadership group will do our best to honour as we tackle the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Exciting times lie ahead, and we look forward to working with the entire team over the next three years. •