United Dairyfarmers of Victoria: South-west duo eye UDV deputy position
Cobden’s Ian Morris and Colac’s Mark Billing are in the running for the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria vice presidency, with voting now open.
Two candidates from south-west Victoria are in the race for the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria’s vice presidency.
Cobden district farmer Ian Morris and Colac district farmer Mark Billing have nominated for the position, with voting now open and the winner declared later this month.
A UDV executive committee member, Mr Billing said he would provide a grassroots perspective to the vice presidency.
“I see my role within the UDV as one that champions the cause of the dairy farmer and to challenge the status quo,” Mr Billing said.
“I truly believe that it is only by having farmer representation at policy levels and above that our proud industry will prosper into the future.
A former World Bank economist, Mr Morris said he was standing for the leadership position because the UDV needed to improve its consultation with its members.
“I believe the historic advocacy response of UDV and VFF to issues such as effluent as industrial waste, quad bike standards and safety (as well as) access to river frontage has been both inadequate and has been very late in consulting with membership — if at all. This has to change,” Mr Morris said.
“I believe branch membership must drive this and insist on accountability from our leadership.
Victorian Farmers Federation chief executive Jane Lovell will act as returning officer for the UDV vice presidential ballot.
“The UDV vice-president helps to shape the future of the Victorian dairy industry,” she said.
“The VFF will be hosting an online UDV vice president candidate forum on May 10 at 12pm to allow members to hear from and put questions to both candidates before voting.
“If you have difficulty voting, are interested in signing up as a member or would like to update your membership or contact details, please call our team on 1300 882 833.”
Voting closes at the close of business on May 26.
The winner will be declared on May 28 at the 2021 UDV annual conference at Melbourne’s Federation Square. Incumbent UDV president Paul Mumford is halfway through his current term, so his position as the organisation’s chief will not be up for election this year.
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