AWB Chairman Brendan Stewart welcomes the support of previous Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and former National Party Leader John Anderson for AWB reform.

“Mr Anderson has indicated that as a NSW wheat grower and AWB A class shareholder he supports reform in light of the new wheat export marketing arrangements,” Mr Stewart said.

Mr Anderson said today that as one of the instrumental architects and strongest supporters of the Single Desk he now recognises that the Rudd Government’s actions have totally and permanently altered the game whether we like it or not.

”The dual class structure of AWB Limited was appropriate when AWB had a Single Desk. However the new Federal Government has deregulated the industry and removed the old wheat marketing arrangements,” Mr Anderson said.

“Without a Single Desk and the introduction of a competitive marketplace, growers now need genuine choice from domestic exporters and I believe that it is in growers’ interests that the AWB can be as competitive as possible.

“In these circumstances, I have come to believe that it is in growers’ best interest to vote for reform,” he said.

Media contact: Peter McBride on 03 9209 2174 or 0417 662 451

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