Administrators appointed to save embattled WA farmer lobby

A week after revealing the discovery of “serious financial misconduct” within its organisation, a WA farmer lobby has entered voluntary administration.

Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) has appointed RSM Australia Partners Jerome Mohen and Greg Dudley as joint and several Voluntary Administrators.

A longstanding West Australian farming lobby group has fallen into voluntary administration just a week after they revealed they had discovered “serious financial misconduct” within the organisation.

Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia has appointed RSM Australia Partners Jerome Mohen and Greg Dudley as joint and several voluntary administrators following a PGA board meeting on Thursday.

Mr Mohen said the PGA executive and committee made the decision after identifying financial irregularities and a funding shortfall.

“The PGA executive and committee remain committed to seeing the organisation work through the administration process and continuing its longstanding function as a respected representative of the agricultural community,” Mr Mohen said.

“Prior to our appointment, the organisation became aware of irregularities within its financial records leaving an immediate financial shortfall.

“As a result, part of our administrative process will be to focus on working closely with the PGA executive and management committee to secure short-term working capital so PGA can continue operations while we conduct our investigations into the noted financial irregularities.

“At the same time, we will review the PGA’s operations with a view to completing an appropriate restructure of the organisation’s operations and financial position so that it can successfully exit the administration process.”

Mr Mohen said administrators recognised the PGA had a long history of advocating for the agricultural industry, and encouraged any members who have questions to contact the management committee in the short term.

“With this knowledge, we understand there will be considerable interest from PGA members and the community seeking to understand the circumstances leading to the situation the organisation finds itself in today.

“As we work through the process, we would appreciate patience and support from the PGA’s members and the broader community.”

Last week the PGA revealed its staff would be stepping aside and membership fees would be stopped after the discovery of the financial misconduct.

The PGA did not say which staff would be stepping aside or what the extent of the financial deficit was in their statement at the time.