After seven years Patrick Hutchinson stands down from AMIC

After battles with the government over Covid restrictions and efforts to have trade bans into China lifted, Patrick Hutchinson is calling it a day.

One of the red meat industry’s most prominent and passionate leaders, Patrick Hutchinson, is set to leave his advocacy role at the end of this month.

After seven years as the chief executive officer of the Australian Meat Industry Council – the group representing processors, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors, as well as retail butchers and exporters – Mr Hutchinson announced today his intention to step down, “after much reflection”.

He has been a vocal and prominent voice for the sector, particularly during Covid.

In 2021, meat processors warned that new Victorian Government Covid restrictions risked reducing processing capacity when then Premier Daniel Andrews unexpectedly announced that processors would be subject to new workforce restrictions.

At the time Mr Hutchinson challenged the Victorian Government on their “lack of information, lack of understanding of our industry, lack of respect, and lack of consultation to the meat processing and manufacturing industry”.

Earlier this year AMIC celebrated a win when China lifted its ban on imports from five major Australian beef exporters, in place since 2020.

Mr Hutchinson said then that the “fantastic result” came after “four years of advocacy and hard work” where the AMIC team worked closely with Australian authorities and industry partners in China to have the suspensions lifted.

Cattle Australia – the producers’ lobby group, lauded the work of AMIC for their tireless work.

Patrick Hutchinson.

Today, Mr Hutchinson wrote on the professional social media site, LinkedIn, that he now intended to “take some time” and would look forward to new challenges.

AMIC chair Tom Maguire said Mr Hutchinson had been instrumental in developing AMIC’s strategic plan and driving its vision.

“Under his leadership, AMIC has evolved remarkably in the areas of advocacy, industry leadership, events and services, ensuring our members are equipped to face industry challenges and capitalise on new opportunities,” Mr Maguire said.

He said those efforts had “significantly lifted the profile of our industry at all levels of government”.

“His strong relationships have directly contributed to market access improvements, such as lifting export suspensions in China, and set new standards in animal welfare practices,” Mr Maguire said.

“He defended all our members, especially retail members, during the Covid pandemic at both a federal and state level.

“Patrick’s leadership has positioned AMIC as a robust voice both domestically and internationally. His impact on our industry will be felt for years to come, and we are grateful for his tireless work and commitment to our industry over such a long time.”

Mr Hutchinson said he was “incredibly proud of what we have achieved together across all sectors of the meat industry” and that the sector was now stronger and more united.

Mr Maguire said AMIC would now focus on finding the right leader to continue “driving the organisation forward, championing the interests of all our members and steer the industry toward a profitable, sustainable future”.