Letter from the Chair – June 2026

 

Renata Paliskis, Sheep Sustainability Framework Steering Group Chair 

Since my appointment in April, the Steering Group – comprising new members Brydie Creagh, Tanisha Shields, David Sackett and Brett Smith, along with continuing members Emma Forster-Geering, Molly Greentree and Maria Crawford – has been very active. Together, we have held two Steering Group meetings, one strategic planning session, one Board meeting, and one Industry Forum.  

The energy within the Steering Group is strong, and I look forward to continuing our work on the further development and refinement of the Sheep Sustainability Framework.  

A key recent decision has been the definition of the Framework’s target audience. On 14 April, this was proposed by the Steering Group and subsequently approved by the Board as follows:  

• Political stakeholders: Commonwealth government representatives who advocate for the sheep industry.  

• Certification and assurance bodies: Organisations that reference, align with, or utilise SSF sustainability themes, metrics, or reporting frameworks in the development of producer-facing standards and market assurance programs.  

• Markets: Domestic and international brands, retailers, and supply chain businesses that influence procurement expectations and market access across the sheep and wool industries.   

As always, the Framework will remain readily available to all members of the supply chain. Many of these members – particularly producers and growers – contribute directly to the on-farm improvements reported in the SSF. We are very grateful for both the hard work behind these improvements and the robust reporting that supports them. This collective effort is what makes the SSF such a valuable document.

In appreciation,  

Renata