Board Governance
The GWRDC's Board is made up of eight non-executive directors (including the Chair and Deputy Chair), and the Executive Director. The Board is responsible for determining R&D Policy for the Australian wine industry and directions for R&D investment following industry consultation. The GWRDC's Board endeavours to hold two of its meetings in a different region each year.
The Chair is appointed by the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Other non-executive directors are appointed by the Minister on the basis of recommendations made by a Selection Committee made up of an independent Chair and other members nominated by the Winemakers' Federation of Australia and the Wine Grape Growers' Australia, which are the GWRDC's representative organisations under the Primary Industries and Energy Research and Development Act 1989.
Following appointment, non-executive directors undergo a formal induction process and are provided with an induction manual. In addition, directors are encouraged to attend training courses at the GWRDC's expense, to ensure they have a thorough understanding of their responsibilities and rights as a director.
Directors may also seek independent professional advice at the GWRDC's expense. For example, the Audit Committee may appoint external agencies to conduct audits to ensure specific procedures and policies are being met.
Director performance reviews are undertaken periodically by an independent consultant. All directors and staff are required to comply with the GWRDC's Code of Conduct, which outlines the GWRDC's expectations in relation to ethical conduct.
