More than 1,000 grassfed cattle producers had their say in Cattle Australia’s review of the cattle transaction levy, through surveys and the largest consultation with levy payers in nearly two decades. The clearest message was that producers want more transparency and accountability for what their levy delivers.
The Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee’s recommendations are now being put to a levy payer vote at the MLA AGM in Townsville on 24 November 2026.
That Cattle Australia recommends the reforms included in the annexure be undertaken simultaneously to facilitate increased focus on and investment in:
On the basis that the reforms as outlined are introduced in full by 1 July 2027, that the Grassfed Cattle Transaction Levy be increased by $1.00 to $6.00 by 1 July 2028.
In short: the reforms would be introduced together by 1 July 2027. Only once they are fully in place would the levy rise by $1, to $6 per head, by 1 July 2028.
Cattle Australia’s explanatory note sets out the resolution and how it reflects the review’s recommendations: Cattle Australia explanatory note. The formal wording is in MLA’s Notice of Meeting.
To find out how the review was run and what producers told us, see information below on this page.
If you paid the grassfed cattle transaction levy in the past financial year, you’re entitled to vote, even if you’re not an MLA member. MLA is running a separate levy payer ballot alongside its 2026 AGM, so every eligible producer can have their say.
Your ballot form will arrive by email or post, with instructions on how to vote.
If you haven’t received a ballot form by Friday 16 October and believe you’re entitled to vote, contact MLA on 1800 023 100 or membership@mla.com.au. This contact is for all grassfed cattle levy payers, so you don’t need to be an MLA member to get in touch about your ballot.
Cattle Australia released the recommendations of the Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee, with a resolution to be put to a levy payer vote at the MLA AGM in Townsville on 24 November 2026.
The resolution responds directly to feedback from more than 1,000 producers gathered through survey responses and participation in the largest consultation exercise conducted with levy payers in nearly two decades. The strongest and most consistent message from stakeholders was the need for greater transparency and accountability for what the levy delivers.
The reforms are proposed to be adopted as a single package and reflect the greatest priorities levy payers set out in consultation.
More than 1,000 responses and attendances were recorded across two discussion papers, a producer survey, 34 regional face-to-face sessions, and additional online sessions, company and group engagement, covering all states and territories.
The Committee published two discussion papers, in May and June 2026, each inviting written responses. Alongside this, a producer survey was distributed, 34 regional face-to-face sessions were held nationally, and additional online sessions, company and producer-group engagement took place.
: Levy payers want to see exactly how their levy dollars are being spent, they want investment to keep pace with the risks and priorities the industry faces today, and they want a levy system that works harder for them. Greater focus and funding on pre-emptive biosecurity, greater investment in industry representation and industry activity and dedicated funding for Integrity Systems. Greater transparency and accountability for what the levy delivers, prior to any change in the levy, was the most consistent theme raised across every consultation session.
The message from producers was not a request for a further commitment, but for a different starting point. Levy payers indicated that levy funded programs should be required to demonstrate clear and measurable returns on investment. This reflects the standard requested by producers.
The message from consultation was that Cattle Australia needs to take a stronger position in informing LRBs on which investments are genuinely priorities at present, and determine the appropriate funding model for each, rather than LRBs simply carrying forward historical allocations by default.
The consensus from Levy payers was unambiguous: such a program should not continue to be funded by default. Mature programs should face the market failure test at regular intervals, on the basis that tenure alone is not sufficient reason for continued funding.
Market failure is the underlying justification for levy funding generally: it applies to activities where the benefit is not achievable by an individual business to fund it alone, such as collective marketing or biosecurity preparedness.
Consultation found agreement that an assessment of mature programs should be undertaken to test whether each one still meets that threshold, rather than assuming it still applies simply because a program has always been funded, or it has worked well in the past.
This is the basis for the closer scrutiny applied to older, long-running programs: continued funding depends on demonstrating the market failure case still holds, not on how long a program has existed.
Yes. Consultation raised uncertainty about what the levy funds and requested that Cattle Australia provide greater consultation and extension activities around the levy investment. Having an even greater focus on levy investment oversight by Cattle Australia on behalf of levy payers was identified as one of the consistent themes raised.
This desire from levy payers sits alongside the broader call for transparency: levy payers want not just to see where the money goes, but a stronger involvement of their peak industry body for overseeing how it is spent.
The CTL Levy Review Committee has released a summary of feedback from its consultation on the Cattle Transaction Levy, with more than 1,000 responses and attendances recorded across producer surveys, regional face-to-face sessions and written submissions
Cattle Australia (CA) instigated the review of the Cattle Transaction Levy (CTL) as the health of the levy has not been checked since 2009. The levy itself has not been changed since 2006, with some streams within the levy not amended since 1998. To ensure the levy remains fit for purpose and is delivering upon the aspirations of the grass-fed cattle industry, the review was prioritised upon the establishment of CA.
The Review Committee includes three CA Directors and, following an open call for nominations, five producers and two independent committee members were appointed.
CA Directors: Bryce Camm (Committee Chair), Elke Cleverdon, Garry Edwards
Southern region: Hugh Nivison, Harry Youngman
Northern region: Rob Atkinson, Julie McDonald
Western region: Dean Ryan
Independent specialist government systems: Colin Hunter
Independent specialist research and development corporations: Jason Strong
The Committee has been tasked with engaging across industry and collecting views on the current cattle transaction levy arrangements and identifying the challenges and opportunities for maximising the value and impact of the levy into the future.
The Committee will publish discussion papers and undertake stakeholder surveys to seek views on the effectiveness and value of current levy investments, and an independent economic analysis report expected to be completed in early June.
Once feedback has been provided, further consultation will be undertaken, including in person and online events, prior to finalising recommendations for any resolutions to be considered at the MLA Annual General Meeting in November.
15 May 2026
Discussion paper one: Principles guiding the review of the grassfed Cattle Transaction Levy – Click here to view
Summary of discussion paper one – Click here to view
June 2026
Stakeholder survey – Perspectives on CTL performance – Click here to view
July 2026
Discussion paper – Draft economic report on CTL
Discussion paper two – Further consultation on the Review of the Grassfed Cattle Transaction Levy – Click here to view
July – August 2026
Completed in-person events schedule:
More details email info@cattleaustralia.com.au
31 September 2026
Recommendations finalised by CTL review committee
24 November 2026
MLA Annual General Meeting
There will be multiple avenues for producers to be involved in the review, with online and face-to-face engagement schedules currently being developed. If you would like to stay informed regarding when these events will be, please follow the Cattle Australia social media accounts and sign up to the mailing list here.
Australian grassfed cattle producers pay a $5 per head levy at the point of sale. This usually forms just part of the fees and charges a producer will pay.
This is divided between industry research and development, marketing, animal welfare, biosecurity and pays for our involvement in the National Residue Survey.
Industry advises the Minister for Agriculture how it wants levy is distributed, and it is approved provided it meets all legal criteria.
The current distribution is set out below:
Commodity – Cattle transaction | Animal Health Australia | Emergency Animal Disease Response | National Residue Testing | Marketing | Research and Development | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cattle | 13 cents per head | $0.00 | 29 cents per head | $3.66 per head | 92 cents per head | $5.00 per head |
Lot-fed cattle | 13 cents per head | $0.00 | 29 cents per head | $3.08 per head | $1.50 per head | $5.00 per head |
Bobby calves | – | $0.00 | 26 cents per head | 48 cents per head | 16 cents per head | 90 cents per head |
Cattle (delivered for export by the producer) | 13 cents per head | $0.00 | 29 cents per head | $3.66 per head | 92 cents per head | $5.00 per head |
Lot-fed cattle (delivered for export by the producer) | 13 cents per head | $0.00 | 29 cents per head | $3.66 per head | 92 cents per head | $5.00 per head |
Bobby calves (delivered for exports by the producer) | – | $0.00 | 26 cents per head | 48 cents per head | 16 cents per head | 90 cents per head |
The Grassfed Beef Levy is collected by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and distributed to industry service providers, Meat and Livestock Australia, Animal Health Australia and the National Residue Survey.
Cattle Australia does not collect levies but ensures levy funds are used in an accountable way.
Will Evans brings extensive leadership, advocacy and policy experience to the role of Cattle Australia CEO.
Prior to joining CA in July 2025, he held the role of CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.
Prior to leading the NTCA, Will held industry positions in the areas of policy development with the former Cattle Council of Australia and for the Northern Territory Live Exporters Association.
Garry is the Chair of Cattle Australia, representing 52,000 beef producers and a $20+bn industry, an industry that is Australia’s largest land manager.
He was born and raised on a commercial beef cattle property near Stroud, south of Gloucester in New South Wales.
Garry has personal cattle production interests in this region today as well as his corporate role as the Managing Director and CEO of AAM, a business that has a significant focus in continuing to expand beyond our cattle production interests in Central West NSW, near Forbes and Bective Station near Tamworth, NSW.
With over 30 years’ experience in large scale livestock production management within the Australian agribusiness sector. His experience spans across a vast array of areas of the agricultural supply chain and includes managing businesses involved in livestock breeding, growing and finishing, financing of agricultural projects, implementation of precision agriculture practices, investigation and implementation of sustainability and innovation initiatives and developing and operating integrated agricultural businesses.
In 2007, Garry founded the company that today is AAM, commencing the development, operation and management of a portfolio of agricultural assets valued at ~$1 billion and he and his wife remain the major shareholders of AAM.
Garry has a unique skill set across multiple facets of the livestock supply chain, from production through to finishing, and processing as well as a unique perspective of the challenges facing all livestock producers within Australia.
George is married with four (4) children, Harry 24, Emma 22, Dave 15 and Tom 13. He also enjoys flying and has his pilot’s license.
George is also a Founding Director of The Wellness House and a Founding Director of ONFARM CO. He has a strong voluntary involvement with his community including as the NSW Rural Fire Services Senior Dept Capt. and Chairman of St Paul’s Carcoar.
Bryce Camm hails from Dalby in Queensland’s Darling Downs region where he oversees his family’s company Camm Agricultural Group; an integrated beef and cropping enterprise with interests across Queensland.
Bryce has been CEO of the group for the past eight years. Prior to that he was the Manager of the group’s award winning Wonga Plains Feedlot for eight years where he oversaw the operation triple in size. Growing up on “Natal Downs” Station in north Queensland Bryce undertook a dual degree in Business Administration and Communications at Bond University and is a graduate of the Australian Rural Leadership Program as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
Bryce is currently the Chairman of Beef Australia Ltd and the Immediate Past President of the Australian Lot Feeders Council, as well as a previous Director of the Red Meat Advisory Council.
Elke Cleverdon is an experienced non-executive director and long-term cattle producer from Harden in regional NSW.
As Joint Owner & Director of Cleverdon Agriculture since 1993, she has managed a self-replacing Black Angus herd, raising and trading cattle with her family. Her deep connection to the land ensures she brings a genuine producer perspective to national industry leadership.
Elke has chaired Cattle Australia’s Audit & Risk Committee for the past three years, strengthening governance, financial accountability, and member confidence during a critical stage of the organisation’s development. She is passionate about ensuring producers have a strong, credible voice and that their interests are advanced in a fair, profitable, and sustainable supply chain.
Her professional background includes more than 16 years in executive leadership in customer-owned banking and eight years as a rural financial coach, supporting farming businesses across NSW. She has also been recognised nationally through the National Farmers’ Federation Diversity in Ag Leadership program.
Elke currently serves as a non-executive director with Horticulture Innovation Australia, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (NSW Health), and SWS Bank. She is a Fellow CPA, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and holds a Master of Business Administration.
Elke brings critical thinking, strong financial and risk management skills, and a passion for strategy and sustainability. She is committed to advancing the long-term interests of Australia’s cattle producers by ensuring Cattle Australia remains a trusted, effective, and transparent advocate for the industry.
Nominated by: Peter Hall, Troy Setter, Bryce Camm, David Hill, Adam Coffey
For the past 45 years, David has held rural property management, executive and senior management positions across all mainland states in areas of; beef cattle & sheep breeding, growing and lot feeding, meat retailing, small seed growing, irrigated fodder, and the further processing and exporting of primary products such as meat, grain and fodder.
His export experiences which started in 1989 included a role with Stanbroke Pastoral Company to help develop Stanbroke’ s Live cattle export program. Additionally, David managed the integration of Bottle Tree feedlot grain feeding in the production system while developing and launching their now globally recognised Diamantina beef brand.
David has been in a leadership role at the Lee Family’s, Australian Country Choice group of Companies since 1999 and progressed in that time from General Manager Properties & Livestock to Group Managing Director until stepping back in December 2020 from a full time role to a strategic advisory and board role.
Headquartered in Brisbane and employing over 1,400 staff across 42 operations, Australian Country Choice (ACC) operates Australia’s largest vertically integrated beef supply chain; encompassing cattle breeding, cattle growing and feedlotting to supply its integrated food processing facility in Brisbane that incorporates beef slaughter, beef boning, value-adding and case ready beef packing.
ACC’s cattle property portfolio of around 4 million acres in Queensland & NSW encompasses operations from the Barkly Tableland, CQ coalfields, Carnarvon ranges, Augathella, Blackall, Roma, and Moonie districts of Queensland, with a carrying capacity of 300,000 head. of cattle to support the Company’s 3 feedlots.
Additionally, David represents Agricultural & Cattle industry interests in his role as; Non-Government member Australia Indonesia Red Meat & Cattle Partnership, member SmartSat CRC, member Cattle Australia -Policy Council, member Australian Meat Industry Council -China & Halal Trade Groups, Chair Workplace Health & Safety Queensland -Rural Industry Sector Standing Committee, Deputy Chair Laguna Bay Pastoral investment committee and Board Member lnventia Genetic Technologies (IGT).
Away from work David has a small cattle property in the Mt Kilcoy (Qld) district running Charolais & Charbray breeders to the delight of his four grandchildren.
David wishes to continue into a second term to help build a strong and successful Cattle Australia to represent the interest of all cattle producers
