In April 2026, Australian Wool Innovation contracted GHD Pty Ltd to undertake an independent review of its performance over the period 2021-2025 and prepare a report on the findings and recommendations of the review.

The Independent Performance Review is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of AWI’s Statutory Funding Agreement 2025- 2034 (the SFA) with the Commonwealth Government.

The Terms of Reference (ToR) for the independent review have been agreed between AWI and the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and are to:

1. Assess the performance of AWI in meeting its obligations under the Statutory Funding Agreement 2025–2034 (the SFA) with the Commonwealth, with reference (but not limited to) the five performance principles:
   1. to engage stakeholders to identify Research and Development Activities and associated priorities that provide benefits to the Industry;
   2. to ensure Research and Development Activities, Marketing Activities and associated priorities are strategic, collaborative and targeted to improve Industry profitability, productivity, competitiveness and preparedness for future opportunities and challenges through a Balanced Portfolio;
   3. to undertake strategic and sustained cross-industry and cross-sectoral collaboration that addresses shared challenges and draws on experience from other sectors;
   4. for governance arrangements and practices to fulfil legislative requirements and align with contemporary Australian best practice for open, transparent and proper use and management of Funds; and
   5. to demonstrate positive outcomes and delivery of Research and Development Activities, Marketing Activities and associated benefits to Levy Payers, Charge Payers and the Australian community in general, and show continuous improvement in governance and administrative efficiency.
2. Assess AWI’s development and implementation of its Strategic RD&E plan
3. Assess how AWI conducts its business, review the efficiency and effectiveness of AWI’s current processes, and assess if current processes are fit for purpose and encapsulate best practice
4. Report on the implementation and effectiveness of changes AWI has made since its previous Independent Performance Review
5. Consult with levy payers and key stakeholders as part of the review.

The outcome of this engagement will be an independent review of AWI’s performance against the requirements of the SFA with the Commonwealth Government.

GHD invites AWI levy payers and key stakeholders to make a submission to the Review Team against one or more of the Terms of Reference. Submissions will be received up to close of business on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

To make a written submission, please fill in the details on the right-hand side of this page and type in your feedback. Alternatively, you can email the Review Team with your submission at Email your submission.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions for this Independent Performance Review.

The final Independent Performance Review Report will be released on the AWI website along with the company’s response to recommendations following the conclusion of the review.

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