Former NT Cattlemen’s boss Luke Bowen remembered as “a top bloke”

A popular former Northern Territory industry boss has been remembered after this shock death at the weekend. Read what’s been said.

Tributes are flowing for former NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Luke Bowen, who died at the weekend.

Mr Bowen headed the organisation for six years from 2008, leaving in 2014 after a tumultuous time for the industry, which included the live cattle export ban.

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the cattle industry had lost “a champion and a hero”.

“Mr Bowen was hugely popular and respected. His contribution was enormous, having been instrumental in the establishment of Cattle Australia,” he said.

“As the former chief executive of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, Mr Bowen led the northern cattle industry through turbulent times in the wake of the live cattle ban to Indonesia in 2011.

Former executive Ddirector of NT Cattlemen's Association Luke Bowen.

“Mr Bowen had courage of his conviction and was much loved for it. He never cut and ran when it got too hard, instead he stayed and fought for what was right.

“Mr Bowen will be remembered for being a true leader, in every essence of the word. Above all, he was a top bloke.”

Mr Bowen’s partner was NAIF chairwoman and Territory pastoralist Tracey Hayes.

In a statement, NT Cattlemen’s Association said Mr Bowen was one of agriculture’s finest leaders.

“He was a life member medallist of our association, a recognition of his exceptional service and dedication,” the statement said.

“Luke showed tremendous leadership during the 2011 Live Export Crisis and proved to be a calm and inspirational leader of the NT industry.

“His passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment made him an invaluable asset to our industry and to Northern Australia. As we mourn this tremendous loss, our deepest sympathies are with Tracey and Luke’s family as they navigate this unimaginable time.

Nationals leader David Littleproud remembered Luke Bowen. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Luke Bowen was a remarkable person, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. We are deeply saddened and devastated by his passing and will remember him with the utmost respect and admiration.”

Cattle Australia also mourned Mr Bowen.

“Luke’s contribution to our industry, regional communities and as a friend and colleague cannot be understated,” the group said.

“He was a remarkable person and our deepest sympathies are with Tracey and Luke’s family as they work through this unimaginable loss.

“Luke was instrumental to the establishment of Cattle Australia and we’re sure the nation’s grass fed cattle producers will dip their hats to one of our best today.”

Beef Central said Mr Bowen was “widely respected and hugely popular”.

“Despite his young age, in 2011 as CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association Luke rose fearlessly to the fore to lead the northern cattle industry through its darkest days in the wake of the devastating export ban to Indonesia,” the magazine said.

“He later held senior roles with the Northern Territory Government and was appointed as the inaugural CEO of Australia’s national peak cattle industry representative body Cattle Australia in February 2023, before stepping down in September last year due to health reasons.”

Originally published as Former NT Cattlemen’s boss Luke Bowen remembered as “a top bloke”