Former MLA Ken Vowles appointed NT Livestock Exporters chairman
A former Northern Territory politician has vowed to fight live export bans after being elected to a key industry post.
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Former NT Primary Industry Minister Ken Vowles has been elected chairman of the NT Livestock Exporters Association.
Mr Vowles was an NT politician between 2012 and 2019 and Primary Industry and Resources Minister from 2016 until 2018.
A Territory local, Mr Vowles’ family has a long association with the NT cattle industry.
His great-grandmother Rosie Alexandria was born at and named after Alexandria Station, his grandmother Lillian Alroy was born at Alroy Downs Station and he also has family connections with Brunette Downs and Corella Creek stations.
“I’m very proud of this appointment,” Mr Vowles said.
“I’ve got a long family affiliation, I love the industry and I wanted to get involved again after being primary industry minister.
“Cattle has been the bread-and-butter of the NT economy for many years. They’ve built and developed a great industry and it’s my job to grow and protect the industry.”
A key role will be ensuring a planned federal government phase-out of the live sheep export sector won’t spread to live cattle exports, which a previous federal Labor government briefly banned in 2011.
“If live sheep exports are phased out and that boosts government popularity what’s to say it won’t spread to cattle?,” Mr Vowles said.
“We’re keeping an eye out and we’re also being vocal and seeking assurances from (federal Agriculture Minister) Murray Watt that cattle won’t be next.”
Mr Vowles acknowledged the “excellent” contribution of his predecessor David Warriner and deputy chairman Patrick Underwood for their work over a number of years.
“We know the importance of strong bipartisan support for the NT’s livestock export industry and I’m committed to helping exporters, producers and everyone involved in the live trade from across the supply chain, to ensure their voice is heard here in the Territory and also at Federal level,” he said.
“I worked closely with the NTLEA when I was NT Primary Industries Minister and also during the four years prior to that as shadow minister.”
Mr Vowles holds a number of other roles including as managing director of Darwin-based Wuk Wuk Consulting, which delivers services across a number of industries including supporting Aboriginal business development.
He was a recent addition to the board of the Northern WA and NT Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub that works with cattle organisations, the NT government and Charles Darwin University to strengthen the Territory’s climate resilience.
Mr Warriner, who has been chairman since 2016, has been on sick leave since last year, although his health is improving.
NTLEA chief executive Tom Dawkins said Mr Vowles was backed unanimously by members.
“The NTLEA has enjoyed strong and stable leadership since its establishment in 1980 and I’m confident that proud tradition will continue with Ken Vowles as our chairman,” Mr Dawkins said.
“We are all indebted to David Warriner for his fearless leadership of our industry and his wise counsel, even in recent months when he has been on medical leave.
“We’re delighted that David’s health is improving and his recovery is progressing steadily. I’m very grateful to David and Ken, as well as NTLEA Deputy Chairman Patrick Underwood who has stepped-up to act as chairman in recent months, for their support and guidance.”