Cattle Australia Proposes Levy Increase for Professionals
The organisation aims to shift toward a professional model by raising the cattle transaction levy to fund industry representation.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Agriculture
Live Poll
Should agricultural industries shift from volunteer representation to professionally compensated boards to better serve producers?
Cattle Australia is seeking to transition away from volunteer reliance by proposing a $1 per head increase to the current $5 Cattle Transaction Levy. The proposal, aimed at compensating professionals for their industry expertise, will face a vote from levy payers in November 2026.
Why it matters
Chair Garry Edwards warns that the current dependence on a small group of volunteers creates a significant vulnerability for the $22 billion grassfed cattle industry. By securing dedicated funding for professional representation, the body hopes to strengthen the industry's capacity to manage its $75 billion economic output.
The proposal aims to raise the current $5 per head Cattle Transaction Levy by $1, supporting an industry projected to produce 3 million tonnes of beef and 1.6 million tonnes of exports in 2026. This follows over 30 face-to-face meetings with producers conducted throughout July and August 2026.
The players
Garry Edwards
He serves as the chair of Cattle Australia and is a leading advocate for professionalising industry representation.
Cattle Australia
It is the primary representative body for the Australian grassfed cattle industry, established to succeed Cattle Council Australia.
Jane McMillan
She was appointed as an incoming director to the board of Cattle Australia.
Erica Halliday
She was appointed as an incoming director to the board of Cattle Australia.
The details
Cattle Australia, which replaced Cattle Council Australia in November 2022, is advocating for this funding shift to ensure the body can attract high-level expertise rather than relying solely on volunteers. The organisation maintains a management approach that rejects inaction to ensure the long-term sustainability of the red meat industry.
Timeline
November 2022: Cattle Australia commenced operations as the new representative body.
July and August 2026: The organisation conducted over 30 face-to-face levy review meetings.
23 October 2026: Garry Edwards addressed the Cattle Connect 2026 event in Wagga Wagga.
November 2026: Levy payers are scheduled to vote on the recommendation at the MLA AGM.
July 2028: The proposed date for the implementation of the $1 per head levy increase.
Market Landscape
The proposal to adjust the Cattle Transaction Levy reflects a broader move to formalise the governance structures of national agricultural organisations. This shift positions Cattle Australia to better compete for professional talent against other sectors within the wider $75 billion red meat economy.
Producers should prepare for a potential increase of $1 per head on cattle transactions starting in July 2028 should the measure pass the upcoming vote. This change is intended to bolster professional advocacy and operational support for the wider industry.
The takeaway
Transitioning from a volunteer-led model to one supported by professional expertise is a common trend among major industry representative bodies. Producers should review the specific implications of the levy increase for their own operations ahead of the November vote.
What happens next
Levy payers will cast their votes on the proposed $1 per head levy increase during the MLA AGM scheduled for November 2026 in Townsville.
Further reading
For more information on industry standards and developments, visit Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Beef Central.
Live Poll
Should agricultural industries shift from volunteer representation to professionally compensated boards to better serve producers?
