Cattle Australia Elects New Board Directors
Jane McMillan and Erica Halliday join the national industry body following the annual general meeting.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Agriculture
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Cattle Australia has appointed Jane McMillan and Erica Halliday as new board directors to represent northern and southern Australian cattle interests. The appointments follow the retirement of inaugural chair David Foote and the decision of George King not to seek re-election.
Why it matters
The board renewal marks a significant leadership transition for Australia's peak cattle industry body. These changes ensure continued regional representation for producers across Queensland, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales.
Jane McMillan manages cattle operations spanning 2.5 million hectares, while outgoing director George King completed two terms of service before stepping down.
The players
Jane McMillan
An experienced cattle operator in Queensland and the Northern Territory who now represents northern producers on the board.
Erica Halliday
A New South Wales seedstock producer who previously served on the Regional Consultative Committee.
David Foote
The inaugural chair of Cattle Australia who recently retired from his position as Northern Director.
George King
A departing board member who chose not to seek re-election after serving for two terms.
The details
The election occurred during the Cattle Australia annual general meeting, which was held in Wagga Wagga as part of the CA Cattle Connect programme. McMillan brings extensive operational experience from North West Queensland and the Northern Territory, while Halliday represents seedstock interests based in Walcha, New South Wales.
Timeline
23 October 2026: New directors elected at the annual general meeting
2025: Erica Halliday joined the Regional Consultative Committee
2023: Cattle Australia established as the industry peak body
Market Landscape
This leadership refresh aligns with the evolving governance of Cattle Australia's peak industry body framework. The changes consolidate the organisation's representative capacity as it continues to manage national policy for Australian beef producers.
The new board composition ensures that producers from both northern and southern regions have direct input into national agricultural policy. This representation may influence future industry programmes and advocacy efforts that impact cattle businesses across the country.
The takeaway
The appointment of regional leaders from Queensland and New South Wales highlights the industry's focus on maintaining geographic balance. Producers should monitor board announcements for upcoming policy shifts that may affect national beef production standards.
Further reading
For more on industry governance, visit Australia Agriculture.
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