GRDC Regional Panel Member
Applicant information and application form
2013
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Contents
Overview ..................................................................................................................................................4
Vision .......................................................................................................................................................4
Mission .....................................................................................................................................................5
Values ......................................................................................................................................................5
The GRDC ...............................................................................................................................................5
Structure...................................................................................................................................................5
Grain growing regions...........................................................................................................................5
The Northern Region ........................................................................................................................5
The Southern Region ........................................................................................................................6
The Western Region .........................................................................................................................6
Regional Panels ...................................................................................................................................6
GRDC Regional Panel Members 2011-13 ............................................................................................7
Role of the Regional Panels .....................................................................................................................7
Regional Panel Membership .............................................................................................................7
Regional Panel Responsibilities ........................................................................................................7
Regional Panel Members – Call for Applications ......................................................................................8
Remuneration ...........................................................................................................................................8
Period of appointment and time requirements ..........................................................................................8
Conflicts of Interest ...................................................................................................................................8
The Application Process ...........................................................................................................................9
3
Applicant Information
Regional Panel Members
Overview
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has established itself as one of the
world’s leading grains research investment organisations linking science, technology and its
commercialisation with industry and community needs.
Across Australia the GRDC has established 3 Regional Panels representing the principal cropping zones
– northern, southern and western regions. The Panels work with GRDC management to develop the
research, development and extension portfolio. Panel members provide a ‘face’ to the GRDC
representing the corporation and promoting its regional investments.
The GRDC Board is seeking applications from individual grain growers, researchers, farm advisers and
consultants for appointment to each of its Northern, Southern and Western Panels effective 1 July 2013.
Appointment to these part-time positions will initially be for two years.
Applications are invited from candidates with the following skills and experience:
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Extensive knowledge of the Australian and/or international grains industries, particularly in the
areas of production, processing, trade, marketing and research
Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate with growers and scientists
both on an individual level as well as in a group situation
Demonstrated ability to network (please include details of the geographic coverage of existing
networks)
Well-developed conceptual and strategic thinking skills
Demonstrated understanding of the finance and investment management practices, tools and
performance indicators used in modern business practice
Demonstrated ability to work constructively in a team
Demonstrated interest and involvement in research, development or extension in the grains
industry and an awareness of strategically important issues that are current for the grains
industries
Written applications addressing the relevant fields of expertise listed above must be accompanied by a
brief curriculum vitae that includes career, personal details and the names of two referees with their
contact details. Applications should not exceed four (4) pages.
Applications should be marked confidential and addressed to Panel Selection Committee, Grains
Research and Development Corporation, PO Box 5367, KINGSTON, ACT, 2604
Applications close on Tuesday 12 March 2013. For more information on Regional Panel recruitment
details visit the GRDC’s website www.grdc.com.au/vacancies or contact: Stuart Kearns on
stuart.kearns@grdc.com.au
Vision
A profitable and sustainable Australian grains industry, valued by the wider community.
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
Mission
Create value by driving the discovery, development and delivery of world-class innovation in the
Australian grains industry.
Values
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We are committed and passionate about the Australian grains industry.
We value creativity and innovation.
We build strong relationships and partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.
We act ethically and with integrity.
We are transparent and accountable to our stakeholders.
The GRDC
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is one of the world’s leading grains
research organisations, responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing RD&E to deliver
improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry.
The GRDC’s primary objective is to drive the discovery, development and delivery of world-class
innovation to enhance the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Australian grain growers and
benefit the industry and the wider community.
Structure
The GRDC is based in Canberra and currently has approximately 60 staff and operates under the
direction of a Board of eight directors. A team of executive managers lead the corporation’s business
activities. As well as advising the GRDC Board, the management team is responsible for realising the
Board’s priorities and managing and evaluating R&D investments in the Australian grains industry.
The GRDC coordinates a national portfolio and market-driven approach to grains R&D. At the
operational level, the GRDC’s organisational structure is divided into four Business Groups:
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Regional Grower Services
Research Programs
Commercial
Corporate Services.
The Business Groups coordinate the GRDC research investments within their respective business
areas.
Grain growing regions
Geographically, the grains industry is defined by three broad agro ecological regions.
The Northern Region
The GRDC’s Northern Region encompasses Queensland and northern New South Wales, has generally
high inherent soil fertility, although there is increasing evidence that this has been run down over time.
It has relatively high seasonal rainfall and production variability compared with the other two regions.
Both summer and winter crops are important for profit. Yield depends, to a significant degree, on
conservation of soil moisture from summer-dominant rainfall. The Northern Region has the highest
diversity of crop production, including maize, sorghum and tropical pulses as well as wheat, barley,
winter-growing pulses and oilseeds.
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
The Northern Region is the largest source of Australia’s premium hard high-protein wheat for export and
domestic use. Demand for feed grains from the region’s important livestock industries is a key driver of
grain production.
The Southern Region
The Southern Region encompasses south-eastern Australia, including central and southern New South
Wales; Victoria; Tasmania; and south-eastern South Australia.
It has a diverse suite of soils of generally low fertility and with many subsoil constraints, such as salinity,
sodicity and toxic levels of some elements, although there are also some areas with very productive
soils. Yield potential depends on seasonal rainfall, especially in autumn and spring, and there is less
dependence on stored soil moisture than in the Northern Region.
Crop production systems are varied and include many mixed farming enterprises with significant
livestock and cropping activities.
The Western Region
The GRDC’s western Region comprises the cropping areas of Western Australia, where soil fertility is
generally low to very low, and yields depend on winter and spring rainfall.
In many areas, yields are low by world standards; this is compensated for by the large scale and degree
of mechanisation of the enterprises. Long-term variability in seasonal rainfall and production is lower in
the coastal areas than in the Northern and Southern regions.
Wheat, barley, canola and lupins are the dominant crops, with livestock enterprises in mixed farming
systems often of less importance. The Western Region has a relatively small population and feed
industry, and consequently exports more than 85 per cent of its grain production.
Regional Panels
Across Australia there are three Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Regional
Panels representing the principal cropping zones – northern, southern and western regions. The Panels
work with GRDC management to develop the research, development and extension portfolio. Panel
members provide a ‘face’ to the GRDC representing the corporation and promoting its regional
investments.
Panel members’ combined skills and experience provide the Board with a valuable network to draw out
local, regional and national grains industry issues. The GRDC Board considers the appointment of
members to the Regional Panels as crucial to the GRDC’s success.
Each Panel is made up of grain growers, agribusiness practitioners, scientists and the GRDC’s executive
managers, with provision for other industry experts to participate as appropriate.
The Northern Regional Panel, Southern Regional Panel and Western Regional Panel represent
Australia’s three grain-growing regions. Each regional panel:
 identifies and monitors regional and national grains industry issues that are relevant to the region
 interacts with grower groups, research advisory committees and other interested parties in the
region to exchange information
 identifies and develops priorities for RD&E investment and recommends these to the National
Panel
 keeps growers and advisers in the region informed about the GRDC’s strategic direction,
investment portfolio and research projects
 assists staff in monitoring the effectiveness of the investment portfolio.
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
The regional panels are composed of grain growers, agribusiness representatives, researchers and the
GRDC’s executive managers.
GRDC Regional Panel Members 2011-13
Northern Regional Panel
Southern Regional Panel
Western Regional Panel
Chair
James Clark
Members
John Sheppard
Rob Taylor
Aaron Sanderson
Jodi McLean
Keith Harris
Loretta Serafin
Mark Sutherland
Vicki Green
William Martel
Stephen Thomas
Chair
David Shannon
Members
Peter Schwarz
Chris Blanchard
Richard Konzag
Bill Long
Chris Jones
Neil Fettell
John Minogue
Keith Pengilley
Susan Findlay Tickner
Stuart Kearns
Chair
Peter Roberts
Members
Ralph Burnett
Narelle Moore
Bill Ryan
Darren Hughes
John Even
Mike Ewing
Shauna Stone
Vince Logan
Role of the Regional Panels
The main role of the GRDC Regional Panels is to:
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Provide advice to the GRDC Board, through the National Panel, on regional investment priorities
Make recommendations to the GRDC Board, through the National Panel, on the allocation of
RD&E investment budgets
Provide an interface with key stakeholders to facilitate awareness of GRDC investments and
research outcomes and gather crucial feedback from industry on priorities for each region.
Involvement in Panel and Research Theme meetings combined with formal and informal industry
consultation, facilitate these core functions. Secretariats based in each of the GRDC’s 3 regions maintain
a timetable of GRDC processes and key meetings which is regularly updated and supplied to Panel
members.
Regional Panel Membership
The three Regional Panels consist of up to eleven members including:
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Growers;
Researchers;
Other industry participants and,
A GRDC Executive Manager.
Each of the Regional Panels is supported by a regionally based secretariat. These 3 Panel Support
Officers are located in the regions and are dedicated solely to facilitating the effective operation of the
Regional Panels.
Regional Panel Responsibilities
Members of GRDC Regional Panels are expected to:
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Report to the National Panel through the Regional Panel Chairs on regional issues and activities
Work closely with Panel Chairs and their regional secretariat
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
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Identify and prioritise local, regional and national grains industry issues that are relevant to the
GRDC
Collect, record and communicate industry issues to GRDC Research Managers via the Theme
Leaders (GRDC Managers).
Communicate GRDC research outcomes, current research investments and strategic direction to
stakeholders
Evaluate the continuing relevance of GRDC research investments for regional benefit
Recommend resource allocation in respective regions.
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Regional Panel Members – Call for Applications
The GRDC is seeking applications from people interested in appointment as Regional Panel Members of
the Northern, Southern or Western Panels from 1 July 2013.
Remuneration
Sitting fees for the role of Regional Panel Members will be $606 per day as set by the Remuneration
Tribunal.
http://www.remtribunal.gov.au/determinationsReports/Current%20Principal%20Determinations/2012/201
2-13%20Determination%2020.11.2012.pdf
Period of appointment and time requirements
Regional Panel Members will be appointed initially for a period of two years from 1 July 2013.
All Panel Members are engaged by the GRDC under contract as members of one of three of the
corporation’s advisory panels.
Successful candidates would be required to commit to and have the capacity to be able to meet the time
requirements of between 20 and 40 days per annum to carry out the role. Candidates should clearly
indicate the minimum time that they are able to commit to the role if they are successful.
Conflicts of Interest
It is recognised that there are degrees of conflict of interest, and the action taken should be appropriate
to the situation.
GRDC employees, directors and Panel members must seek to avoid conflict between their obligations to
the GRDC and other individuals or organisations. Where a potential or actual conflict arises it is to be
declared and managed in accordance with GRDC internal operating procedures.
A GRDC employee, director or Panel member can have:
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an actual or potential conflict; or
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a perceived actual or potential conflict
between:
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his or her duty to act in the GRDC’s best interests; and
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some other interest of, or duty owed.
This includes, but is not limited to, the existence of a material personal interest in a matter that relates to
the GRDC’s affairs. All GRDC employees, directors and Panel members must disclose a material
personal interest in an item where they have a conflicting interest or duty that is significant enough to
divide their loyalties. This would include an interest in or duty to another entity that interferes with the
person’s ability to bring independent judgement to bear, or where there would be a reasonable
perception of such a conflicting interest.
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
Material personal interest includes:
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direct pecuniary interests where the person, their employer’s or immediate family business
interests are affected and
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material non-pecuniary interests, for example, when a person is an office-holder or employee
of an industry association representing members whose interests are directly affected.
Some examples of situations where a conflict of interest might occur include:
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placing a GRDC contract with a relative
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having an interest in organisations doing business with the GRDC
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having another job that affects the person’s ability to perform their GRDC role.
Panel Members and their institutions are not precluded from applying for GRDC investments, but any
potential conflict of interest must be declared.
The Application Process
The format for your application is flexible however your submission should be easy to read, accurate,
concise and informative.
You may include other documents to support your application.
The Regional Panel Member application form is included in this document.
Applications shall preferably be provided in Word format and quote Panel Selection Committee. These
should be emailed to: panels@grdc.com.au or hard copies faxed to 02 6166 4599 or posted by 5.00PM
EDST on Tuesday 12 March 2013 to:
Panel Selection Committee
Grains Research and Development Corporation
PO Box 5367
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Applications close on Tuesday 12 March 2013
For further Information on Regional panel recruitment details visit GRDC’s website
www.grdc.com.au/vacancies or contact Stuart Kearns via email on
stuart.kearns@grdc.com.au
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
Regional Panel Member Application Guidelines
GRDC REGIONAL PANELS
Across Australia there are three Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Regional Panels
representing the principal cropping zones – northern, southern and western regions. The Panels work with GRDC
management to develop the research, development and extension portfolio. Panel members provide a ‘face’ to the
GRDC representing the corporation and promoting its regional investments.
Panel members’ combined skills and experience provide the Board with a valuable network to draw out local,
regional and national grains industry issues. The GRDC Board considers the appointment of members to the
Regional Panels as crucial to the GRDC’s success.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for grain growers, researchers, farm advisers and consultants and from the broader grains
community – individuals involved in grains marketing, bulk handling, farm input supplies, grain processing and food
industries, finance and business management, economic evaluation of R&D, or natural resource management.
Candidates are to demonstrate:
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Extensive knowledge of the Australian and/or international grains industries, particularly in the areas of
production, processing, trade, marketing and research
Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate with growers and scientists both on an
individual level as well as in a group situation
Demonstrated ability to network (please include details of the geographic coverage of existing networks)
Well-developed conceptual and strategic thinking skills
Demonstrated understanding of the finance and investment management practices, tools and performance
indicators used in modern business practice
Demonstrated ability to work constructively in a team
Demonstrated interest and involvement in research, development or extension in the grains industry and
an awareness of strategically important issues that are current for the grains industries
APPLYING
Applicants are required to complete the GRDC’s Regional Panel Member Application Form available from the
GRDC website. The closing date for applications is 5 pm on Tuesday 12 March 2013
Once completed, an electronic copy of the application and a copy of the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae should be
emailed to panels@grdc.com.au. Please ensure that the name of the emailed documents and the email subject
line, incorporate the applicant’s name.
In addition, the GRDC also requires a signed paper copy of the application to be submitted. The completed
application should be addressed to:
By Post
Panel Selection Committee
Grains Research & Development Corporation
PO Box 5367
KINGSTON ACT 2604
By Courier
Panel Selection Committee
Grains Research & Development Corporation
Level 1, 40 Blackall Street
BARTON ACT 2600
BOTH THE ELECTRONIC AND PAPER COPIES MUST REACH THE GRDC BY 5PM ON THE CLOSING DATE.
Please note: No late applications will be accepted
Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application.
INTERVIEWS
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
Applicants should be prepared to attend an interview with the Panel Selection Committee. Any travel costs relating
to the interview process will be paid for by the GRDC. The successful applicants will receive an induction from
GRDC personnel as soon as possible after appointment.
Regional Panel Member Application Form
PERSONAL DETAILS
Title
Postal Address:
First Name:
Suburb:
Phone Number:
Surname:
State:
( )
Fax Number:
Postcode:
( )
Mobile:
Email:
Date of Birth:
/ /
Please indicate which Regional Panel you are applying for:
SELECTION CRITERIA
Please note: The GRDC does not expect all applicants to be highly competent in all areas of the selection criteria.
1. Extensive knowledge of the Australian and/or international grains industries, particularly in the areas of
production, processing, trade, marketing and research
2. Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate with growers and scientists both on an
individual level as well as in a group situation
3. Demonstrated ability to network (please include details of the geographic coverage of existing networks)
4. Well developed conceptual and strategic thinking skills
5. Demonstrated understanding of the finance and investment management practices, tools and performance
indicators used in modern business practice
6. Demonstrated ability to work constructively in a team
7. Demonstrated interest and involvement in research, development or extension in the grains industry and an
awareness of strategically important issues that are current for the grains industries
8. Please explain why you have chosen to apply for a role as a ‘GRDC Regional Panel Member’?
QUALIFICATIONS/ AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Current Position/ Professional Activities:
Relevant Qualifications*:
* Please note: A copy of your Curriculum Vitae must be submitted as part of the application.
Please ensure that you include any areas of expertise such as:
- Agronomy/ Farming Systems,
- Soil/ Environment Science
- Crop Protection,
- Plant Genetics,
- Extension to generate practice change
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013
- Engineering/ Commercialisation of agricultural technology
- Risk, finance and business management
REFEREE DETAILS
1
Title:
First Name:
Surname:
Position:
Institution:
Phone Number:
( )
Fax Number:
( )
Email:
2
Title:
First Name:
Surname:
Position:
Institution:
Phone Number:
( )
Fax Number:
( )
Email:
DECLARATION
I, the applicant declare that the information supplied by me on this form is complete, true and correct in every particular.
I authorise the GRDC to obtain from my nominated referee details any details that would be relevant to my application for
a role as a GRDC Regional Panel Member.
I understand that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code (Commonwealth) and
that my application will not be processed if I have not provided all documents and information requested on this form or as
set out in the application guidelines.
Signature of Applicant
Date
Name of Applicant
GRDC USE ONLY
GRDC Reference Number:
Application Checklist
Have you filled out all sections of the form?
Have you attached a copy of your curriculum vitae?
Have you e-mailed a copy of the application and any attachments to panels@grdc.com.au?
Please note: the name of the emailed documents should incorporate the applicant’s name.
Have you posted a signed copy of the application and supporting documentation?
GRDC Regional Panel Application Form 2013