QLD grazier Brent Finlay new NFF President

The members of Australia’s peak farm body, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), have today elected Queensland grazier Brent Finlay as the NFF’s 12th President, taking the reins from outgoing President Duncan Fraser. Mr Finlay, of the Traprock region in south east Queensland, has more than 25 years’ experience in agriculture through his family’s farming business, where he has worked extensively in sheep, wool, cattle, grain and hay production. Mr Finlay currently runs ‘Cooinda,’ a sheepmeat, wool and beef property with his three daughters. Mr Finlay has served in representatives roles for 13 years, rising from President of the Traprock Wool Association in 2000 to Senior Vice President of WoolProducers Australia in 2008. He became President of AgForce Queensland in 2010, and Vice President of the NFF in 2013, before today being elected NFF President. Mr Finlay paid tribute to outgoing President Duncan Fraser, who took the reins of the NFF when former President Jock Laurie stepped down from the position in April. “Mr Fraser has been a passionate advocate for the agricultural sector for some 27 years, and has led NFF for the past seven months, through a tumultuous period in federal politics that has seen three agriculture ministers and three Prime Ministers hold their respective offices,” Mr Finlay said. “I thank Mr Fraser for his dedicated service to the NFF and to Australian farmers. “Now, as we enter a period of, we hope, relative political stability, it is time to get the focus away from politics and back onto policy – and to drive forward the outcomes that our farmers need from Government. “There are many issues that need to be addressed – from drought policy to foreign investment – and I look forward to being a strong voice for the farming sector,” Mr Finlay said. Mr Finlay was elected at today’s NFF AGM and Members’ Council meeting in Canberra, where elections for NFF Vice President and Board Director positions are currently underway. Mr Finlay’s full biography is available http://www.nff.org.au/board.html[here].