The AMIC Business Forum
(Adelaide, 4-6 September 2012)

“Elevate.Prosper.Grow” 

All the feedback from those who attended the AMIC Business Forum last week in Adelaide agreed the new business model of taking the AMIC Conference to a regional location every second year has certainly worked. The National Wine Centre was an excellent venue, the Forum dinner was a sell out and the list of speakers, some of the best in years. Leading off with the key-note address was The Honourable Greg Combet AM MP, Minister for Industry & Innovation and Minister for Climate Change & Energy Efficiency. He spoke eloquently for almost an hour without notes and answered a range of questions from the floor With particular reference to the red meat processing sector he said “With the support of the Labor Government the meat processing industry is making forward looking and innovative decisions to reduce carbon pollution and improve energy efficiency. In the meat processing industry early information suggests that around 10 facilities are likely to be directly liable under the carbon pricing mechanism. The industry along with my department is currently working on proposals to bring most if not all of these facilities under the carbon liability threshold of 25,000 tonnes of emissions a year. This would be a great achievement and the government would do all that it can to support the industry in this task. This is why the government is making a significant investment in the future of the meat processing sector. My department has been working closely with the Australian Meat Industry Council which has been playing an important role in disseminating information to its members”. Greg Combet’s presentation will be available on the AMIC website but is available now by email on request.

Robert Poole, General Manager (Shareholder Relations) with Murray Goulburn Co-operative spoke on how the dairy industry is responding to the government’s carbon pricing policies and Luke Bowen (Northern Cattlemen’s Association) provided an insight into what life is like in the northern cattle industry at present, especially under current conditions. Lachie Hart (Stockyard Beef) gave an interesting presentation on the value of the MSA brand and proposed changes to the MSA model. Frank Carbone and Phil Southworth (McDonald’s Asia Pacific “MAC”) gave us a small insight in to the amazing McDonald’s phenomenon. AMPC’s strategy sessions on Thursday with David McKinna also struck a particular chord with attendees. Our thanks to our sponsors Hamburg Süd, AMPC, Rabobank, AWX, Meat & Livestock Australia, Wirra Wirra, Kentmaster Equipment, Marfret, Visy and Symbio Alliance who all contributed to a great outcome. Thank you for your generous support for AMIC and the meat processing industry.