Leigh Warnick to chair group to oversee grain industry review

31/7/95

Primary Industry Minister Monty House has appointed Mr Leigh Warnick as chairman of the Ministerial steering group overseeing the review of Western Australia's grain industry.

Mr Warnick is a partner with law firm Mallesons Stephen Jacques, specialising in corporate and commercial advice and dispute resolution.

He is also currently a director of the Bank of Western Australia (BankWest), Brandrill Ltd, CityWest Holdings Ltd and chairman of Sabminco NL.

"Mr Warnick is an experienced public company chairman with a strong background in both commerce and law," Mr House said.

"His experience will be valuable in the development of a strategic blueprint for the State Government on the future of grain marketing in WA and as part of the review of the Grain Marketing Act 1975."

Mr Warnick replaces Mr Roger Hussey who has stepped down after establishing the initial review process.

The review aims to position WA's $523 million legume and coarse grain industry to meet future marketing challenges such as increased competition for grain markets, more specialised grain requirements by consumers and increasing productivity of producers.

Aside from evaluating the most appropriate marketing status for prescribed grains, the review will focus on the operation of the Grain Pool of WA, the grain permit system, the impact of the Hilmer Report and the potential for strategic alliances in the grain and food industry.

The WA grains industry includes barley (malting and feed), lupins (feed and human), oats (milling and feed), oilseeds, other pulses, wheat (milling and feed), triticale, cereal rye, and tropical cereals such as sorghum and maize.

Media contact:  Will Henwood 481 2044