Joint Media Release

Australian to take lead role in reconstruction of Iraqi agriculture sector

We are pleased to announce that Mr Trevor Flugge, AO, has agreed to lead an experienced team of Australian agricultural and food security advisers to work with senior Iraqi agriculture officials on reconstruction plans for Iraq's agriculture sector.

Australia is committed to playing a central role in the rehabilitation of the sector and Mr Flugge will be jointly responsible for providing high-level advice on agriculture reforms and food security issues with a senior nominee from the United States of America.

Australia is well-placed to assist in the revitalisation of Iraq's agricultural sector, particularly in areas such as dry land agriculture, grain distribution, irrigation and combating salinity problems. Mr Flugge will make an early visit to the region to assess conditions on the ground and to identify immediate priorities for Australian assistance.

Iraq's agricultural sector has suffered through years of mismanagement and neglect. With much of the Iraqi population dependent on food handouts, rehabilitation of agriculture will be critical to Iraq's stability and long-term economic recovery.

Mr Flugge, a farmer from Western Australia, is a respected and highly effective leader in Australian agribusiness. He has played a substantial role in the restructuring of Australian agriculture over the past decade. He is currently a Director of the Western Australian public company Wesfarmers and of Australian Wool Services. He is also currently Chair of the CSIRO's Agribusiness Advisory Council and other industry research and advisory bodies. Mr Flugge was formerly a Director and Chair of the Australian Wheat Board and AWB Ltd and has strong experience in the Middle East, primarily through his work with AWB Ltd.

Mr Flugge is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a member of the National Board of Governors of ATSE's Crawford Fund. He is also Chair of the Crawford Fund's Western Australian Branch. The Crawford Fund is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes scientific and technological expertise in agriculture research and development with the ultimate aim of improving global food production.

Contacts: Chris Kenny (Downer's office) (02) 6277 7500, Matt Doman (Vaile's office) (02) 62777420