About the Advisory Panels
In partnership with AgriFutures Australia, Advisory Panels provide recommendations on the allocation of research, development and extension (RD&E) funding for AgriFutures levied industry programs.
The core function of AgriFutures Advisory Panels is to ensure that RD&E investment remains industry-demand driven, including:
- Advising on industry requirements for investment through the development and monitoring of RD&E plans.
- Providing recommendations to AgriFutures on suitable RD&E opportunities and activities to address industry issues.
- Providing feedback and investment advice on RD&E proposals to ensure investment is aligned to priorities in RD&E plans.
- Advising and assisting in the dissemination, adoption, and commercialisation of RD&E activities.
- Program activities are funded by industry levy and Commonwealth funds, and any funds contributed from third parties.
Current Opportunities
Passionate Thoroughbred breeding industry professionals wanted: Applications now open for AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel Chair
AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified industry representative to join the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel as Chair. This exciting opportunity is open to Thoroughbred breeders, industry professionals, equine veterinarians and/or researchers who have an interest in contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Researchers with experience in Thoroughbred horses, who are not actively engaged in AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program funded research are also encouraged to apply.
About the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program
AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) to address thoroughbred industry challenges and opportunities.
The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program was established in 2017 and is supported by a statutory levy paid by mare and stallion owners. The levy is set at a rate of $10/mare covered per season, paid by the stallion owner, and $10/mare return per season, paid by the broodmare owner. AgriFutures Australia also receives funding from the Australian Government, calculated under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act. The levy collects about $400,000 per annum from the industry. When combined with the Government contributions and voluntary industry contributions, the Program has in recent years invested approximately $1 million per annum.
The Program has four priorities under the current RD&E Plan:
- Thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability
- Thoroughbred breeding
- Workforce, industry and community engagement
- Thoroughbred diseases and parasites
About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel consists of breeders, researchers, veterinarians, and breeding industry representatives with a range of skills and experience in the Thoroughbred industry.
In partnership with AgriFutures Australia, the Advisory Panel provides recommendations on the allocation of RD&E funding for the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program. Responsibilities include:
- Advising – providing advice on the industry requirements for investment through development and monitoring of RD&E Plans
- Identifying – providing recommendations to AgriFutures on suitable RD&E opportunities and activities to address industry issues
- Aligning – providing feedback and investment advice on RD&E proposals submitted to AgriFutures to ensure investment is aligned to priorities in the Program’s RD&E Plan
- Awareness – representing the industry to advise and assist in the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of RD&E activities.
About the Advisory Panel Chair
The Chair of the Advisory Panel is a pivotal role in providing guidance and governance into the function of the Panel thereby, providing both Agrifutures and the industry with the confidence that the RD&E Program is delivering against industry priorities and value to levy payers.
The role of the Chair of the Advisory Panel is to:
- chair effective Panel meetings and other relevant meetings and functions
- provide leadership to the Panel
- facilitate a professional environment and open communications to support an effective decision-making process
- ensure that the strategic direction of the Panel and governance are the focus at Panel discussions
- ensure that stakeholder interests are accurately represented to the Panel
- ensure that all Panel decisions are understood by Panel members and accurately recorded
- act as the delegated officer responsible for assessing the declared conflict of interest and for implementing appropriate mitigations strategies
This is an opportunity for passionate industry members to engage in the RD&E program and help to deliver high impact research for the Australian Thoroughbred horses industry.
AgriFutures Australia aims to maintain geographical, age and gender diversity to ensure that the Advisory Panel appropriately represents the Thoroughbred breeding industry.
Panel members may be required for up to 25 days per year and some domestic travel is necessary.
How to apply
Applicants are required to complete the application form, skills matrix and attach their CV (no longer than three pages) via the online application system.
As part of the application process, applicants will be required to outline relevant experience in the Australian thoroughbred sector and expected contribution to the Advisory Panel.
Submissions close Tuesday 17 February 2026 at 12pm noon (AEDT).
For more information please contact:
Amanda Olthof
Senior Manager, Levied Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a current advisory panel for my industry?
AgriFutures maintains Advisory Panels for the following industries:
- Chicken Meat
- Export Fodder
- Ginger
- Goat Fibre
- Honey Bee & Pollination
- Pasture Seeds
- Tea Tree Oil
- Thoroughbred Horses.
We also maintain the:
- Emerging Industry Consultative Committee (EICC): The EICC provides strategic assistance and advice on matters including investment prioritisation, annual operational plans, governance and compliance, risk mitigation strategies and conflicts of interest.
- Emerging Industry Technical Advisory Group (TAG): The TAG provides technical investment advice and recommendations on stakeholder project procurements, applications and outputs.
A full list of current advisory panels, including biographies for chairs and members, is available below.
How are members of the Advisory Panels selected?
We aim to maintain geographical, age and gender diversity to ensure that the Advisory Panel appropriately represents the industry. Members are selected through an open call process, which includes a competitive skills-based assessment and consultations with key industry bodies and stakeholders. Applicants are also required to declare any actual or perceived conflict of interest prior to appointment. Successful applicants are appointed by the Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia.
How long is the term for Advisory Panel members?
The initial term of appointment is three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms applicable to any member. However, members may be retained beyond two terms to ensure the availability of scarce expertise.
To maintain corporate knowledge, only up to half the membership of an Advisory Panel is changed at any one time.
Are Advisory Panel members compensated?
Advisory Panel members are recompensed for their services to AgriFutures Australia at rates determined by the Commonwealth’s Remuneration Tribunal. More information about panel remuneration can be found in the AgriFutures Industry Advisory Panel Terms of Reference, on our Corporate Governance page.
Current 2024-25 FY (effective from 01/07/2024 to 30/06/2025)
Companies
Sitting Fee (exc. GST) |
Panel Chair Rate (exc. GST) |
Panel Member Rate |
Meeting day over 3 hours |
$862.00 |
$776.00 |
Meeting day between 2 and 3 hours |
$517.20 |
$465.60 |
Meeting day less than 2 hours |
$344.80 |
$310.40 |
Non-meeting day per hour up to 5 hours |
$172.40 |
$155.20 |
Individuals
How do Advisory Panels operate?
You can find the Code of Conduct and Terms of Reference for AgriFutures Australia Advisory Panels on our on our Corporate Governance page. These documents provide an overview of how the Panels work.
Can I make an expression of interest for any future recruitment?
We recommend subscribing to your relevant Industry Updates mailing list, so you will be notified when panel recruitment begins for your industry.
Note: Please fill out out your contact details in the form then click next to see all available mailing lists.
Are existing service providers with current AgriFutures funding contracts eligible to serve on the RD&E Panel?
Everyone is welcome to apply and serve on the RD&E Panel. Our preference is to minimise conflicts of interest.