Phase out of live sheep exports by sea

Mr Phillip Glyde has 42 years’ experience as a senior executive in the Australian Public Service. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr Glyde has been devoted to matters of critical importance for the nation, navigating complex and often contested policy areas.

He brings a wealth of experience in advising governments, an economics background, and a strong understanding of the agricultural sector.

As the former Chief Executive Officer of the Murray Darling Basin Authority from 2016 to 2021, Mr Glyde delivered significant reforms in challenging circumstances including the Northern Basin review, the 2020 Basin Plan Evaluation and regionalisation of the MDBA.

Prior to leading the MDBA, Mr Glyde was the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Executive Director of ABARES.

He has worked on natural resource management, industry and environmental policies in a number of other departments, including Prime Minister and Cabinet, Environment, and Resources and Energy.

His overseas appointments include the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris, and the United Kingdom Cabinet Office and Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Mr Glyde has a Bachelor of Natural Resources with Honours from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University.

The Hon Warren Snowdon is a former federal minister with over 30 years’ experience in government. Having served more than three decades as a representative for the Northern Territory, Mr Snowdon brings significant understanding and connection to the Australian agriculture industry and rural and regional communities.

During his time in the Australian Parliament, Mr Snowdon held several ministerial portfolios, including being the first to take the role of Minister for Indigenous Health and was, for a time, also responsible for Rural and Regional Health and Regional Service Delivery. He was also Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of ANZAC.

Mr Snowdon served as Parliamentary Secretary and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary on matters including regional and urban development; employment, education and training; environment, sport and territories; transport and infrastructure (Northern Australia and the Territories); Northern Australia; and Indigenous affairs.

Before serving in the Australian Parliament, Mr Snowdon worked as a public servant including in the Department of Primary Industry and the Department of Trade; as a teacher in the Northern Territory; and for a time was employed as a researcher at the Australian National University, before joining the Central Land Council in Alice Springs immediately prior to entering Parliament in 1987.

Ms Sue Middleton is a farmer and respected agribusiness leader.

Ms Middleton and her husband Michael have developed Moora Citrus. She is a Director on the Moora Citrus group of companies, which leads the WA citrus production and export program.

Ms Middleton has held extensive board and leadership roles in agriculture and regional development for over three decades. Her experience includes the Council of Australian Governments Reform Council, the National Regional Women’s Advisory Council, the Australian Research Council, and the National Rural Advisory Council. She has also been a Commissioner on the WA Agricultural Produce Commission.

She is a passionate advocate for regional Western Australia and has a deep understanding of government policy, agribusiness and the regional development sector.

Ms Middleton was the national winner of the Australian Rural Women’s Award in 2010, where she focussed on highlighting the importance of agriculture tackling greenhouse gas emissions. She won the Centenary Medal for services to regional and rural Australia in 2002 and was inducted into the Western Australia Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ms Heather Neil is an experienced CEO and Executive Director with a deep understanding of community governance, animal welfare science and advocacy. She has extensive experience in public policy, regulation and reform in the area of social change.

Prior to this appointment, Ms Neil was Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA Australia for 12 years, taking a leading role in advocating for positive change for the welfare of animals in Australia. She also served as the Director of Stewardship at CropLife Australia for four years.

Ms Neil is currently the Executive Director at TrackSAFE Foundation, a charity focused on reducing deaths, injuries and near hits on Australia’s rail networks.