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.

Advisory Panel Recruitment - Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel

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 
The 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 Thoroughbred Horses 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, 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 the 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:
a) chair effective Panel meetings and other relevant meetings and functions
b) provide leadership to the Panel
c) facilitate a professional environment and open communications between the Panel, Industry and AgriFutures to support an effective decision-making process
d) ensure that the strategic direction of the Panel and governance are the focus at Panel discussions
e) ensure that stakeholder interests are accurately represented to the Panel
f) ensure that all Panel decisions are understood by Panel members and accurately recorded
g) 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 horse 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 travel is necessary.

For more information regarding the desired skill set for the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel positions read the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel Member Selection Criteria Matrix

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 Monday, 14 April 2025 at 12 noon (AEST).  

Apply now

Contact:
Caitlin Smith
Manager, Levied Industries

0407 987 738