NFF reveal NSW beef farmer as interim CEO
The National Farmers Federation has secured a well-connected agriculture leader to steady the ship after turbulent leadership losses.
The nation’s peak farm lobby group has appointed high profile and well-connected NSW beef producer Su McCluskey as its interim chief executive, as it continues its search for a candidate to permanently hold the key position.
The former Special Representative for Australian Agriculture is set to take the reins of the National Farmers’ Federation on Monday, September 1.
The appointment follows the brief tenure of Troy Williams, who resigned in July after just four months in the job, citing personal reasons for his decision.
Mr Williams succeeded long-time chief executive Tony Mahar, who now holds the position of Australia’s Energy Infrastructure Commissioner.
Ms McCluskey was appointed by the federal government as the first Special Representative for Australian Agriculture in late 2021 by the former Coalition government, with a four-year term.
The role was designed to lift Australia's profile in international agriculture and food policy discussions; a position that has not been replaced by the current government.
Ms McCluskey said her priority would be ensuring the NFF contributes strategic thinking and strong policy ideas, guided by members’ priorities, “as well as ensuring that governance and compliance processes are in place”.
“Australian agriculture faces major shifts, from global market volatility to significant economic
and environmental reforms,” Ms McCluskey said.
In an interview with AgJournal last year, Ms McCluskey said non-government organisations had incredible influence on policy overseas, particularly in the EU, which was impacting Australia’s trade.
Then, she called for agriculture to “make sure we maintain a balanced debate and discussion and not allow our governments and politicians to be hijacked by ideology”.
Announcing the appointment, NFF president David Jochinke said Ms McCluskey “was a strong and passionate advocate for sustainable Australian agriculture” in her previous role and “brings deep expertise in agricultural policy at both national and international levels”.
“Leadership transitions can be challenging, but our focus remains firmly on delivering outcomes for our members and the sector,” he said.
“I’m confident Ms McCluskey is the right person to champion agriculture on behalf of our members and producers across Australia.”
Ms McCluskey’s other past roles include Regional Australia Institute chief executive officer, and NFF policy general manager. Currently, she also holds a directorship of the Australasian Pork Research Institute, and was recently appointed chair of The Crawford Fund.
Mr Williams’ departure has been another challenge in an unsettled period for the NFF, with many leadership changes and battles with state farming organisations.
Charlie Thomas, NFF’s former deputy chief executive under Mr Mahar, has also moved to the chief executive role at the Victorian Farmers Federation.
This follows moves by the VFF in September last year, to give 12-months notice to quit the NFF, saying it was “out of alignment” with the national lobby.
NSW Farmers followed in April this year, citing inefficiencies in the national advocacy model “for some years now”.
The NFF is yet to resolve the issues with the VFF and the NSW organisations.
Wimmera farmer David Jochinke is also coming to the end of his term as president when the organisation holds its AGM on October 20.
This will see Mr Jochinke come to the end of his tenure on the NFF board as well, after serving 12 years.
