Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI), funds wool research, development and marketing activities, in order to enhance the profitability, productivity and sustainability of the Australian wool industry and to build demand for Australian wool.

The majority of AWI’s income is derived from statutory levies collected from Australian woolgrowers. The Australian Government provides approximately a fifth of AWI’s funding in matching funds for eligible research and development.

The Wool Services Privatisation (Wool Levy Poll) Regulations 2003 (Cth) requires a poll of all wool levy payers every three years, allowing them to determine the amount of levy collected. Prior to a poll, AWI is required to undertake an independent review of performance over the previous three years to assist woolgrowers make their decision.

The Review of Performance required by the Statutory Funding Agreement with the Commomwealth requires AWI to review its performance, encompassing:

i. Delivery of research, development, extension and marketing services;
ii. Delivery of benefits, including the value for money and return on investment to the industry and the community in general, and the contribution to increasing farm-gate returns, as foreshadowed in the company’s strategic and operational plans;
iii. Effectiveness in addressing and implementing the recommendations from the 2009-2012 performance review;
iv. Recommendations for improvement to AWI’s performance in delivering research, development, extension and marketing services.

Organisations seeking further information should contact AWI by email at rop@wool.com. Submissions are required no later than 13 March 2015.