The Pastorals and Graziers Association of WA will pause operations after uncovering ‘serious financial misconduct’.
The Pastorals and Graziers Association of WA will pause operations after uncovering ‘serious financial misconduct’.
In an email sent to members this morning, but curiously dated January 23, 2023, the Association said it would pause the collection of membership fees while it investigates the issue.
“The PGA executive and committee members have recently become aware of serious financial misconduct within its organisation,” the email to members said.
“The PGA has taken immediate steps to address the issues. As an organisation of long standing and credible reputation in the WA regional and rural community the PGA is committed to focusing all its efforts in righting these issues.
“The PGA acknowledges there is a financial deficit in our current modelling and are working hard to scope and rectify it.
“In the short-term personnel within the PGA will be stepping aside.
“While the PGA works to develop an accurate assessment of its financial position it asks for your patience and that you deal with facts, and not innuendo or rumour.”
PGA WA president Tony Seabrook told Business News the allegations do not involve anyone on the executive team or the board of the association.
“We believe information was intentionally withheld by a staff member,” he said.
“A police investigation will be conducted; we can’t say more at this time.”
The PGA is one of the state's most vocal farming and pastoralist groups and has been front and centre of political debate affecting the regions in recent years.
It was a vocal opponent of the rollout of the state's Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act laws in 2023 - legislation which was later repealed.
On behalf of the PGA, the group's Mr Seabrook was the principal petitioner of an online petition backed by the WA Liberals and Nationals and tabled in parliament by Liberal Neil Thomson, which amassed almost 30,000 signatures.
The group has also been outspoken in its defence of live sheep export, following a federal ban announced last year which is shaping to be a major election issue in regional areas.
The group's work has been celebrated by sections of the business community.
In 2018, Australia's richest person Gina Rinehart recognised Mr Seabrook for his contribution to agriculture with an award at a gala event on Sydney Harbour.
The association's financials are less clear.
The most recent publicly available annual report is from 2022, with a link to the 2023 report on the PGA website not currently working.
The 2022 report does not provide any financial information.
