The former manager of the meat program within the Department of Agriculture and Food, Renata Paliskis-Bessell, had been appointed chief executive of the Western Australian Meat Industy Authority, winning the support of the WAFarmers Meat Council.
Prior to working with the Department of Agriculture, Ms Paliskis-Bessell was employed in the meat industry sector, as Plant Manager, Group Manager Quality Assurance with Metro Meat Limited, Training Officer with AUS-MEAT and Trainee Meat and Livestock Buyer with Woolworths.
She has also been a Board Member of the Authority for the past nine years, and will take up her position on January 22.
In announcing her appointment, Western Australian Meat Industry Authority chairman Kerry McAuliffe said the Authority faced a number of significant challenges in the years ahead with the State Government's recent decision to approve the construction of a new State Livestock Centre at Muchea and the continued operation of the Midland facility.
WAFarmers Meat Council President Mike Norton welcomed her appointment, saying she was highly qualified for the position, and urging her to ensure the Muchea tender prcoess was smooth and uncomplicated.
"Renata comes to WAMIA with a wealth of experience in agriculture and the meat industry in particular," he said. "This will ensure that she is able to hit the ground running in what will be a big couple of years for the Authority," he said.
Mr Norton also made mention of the work of Acting CEO Dave Saunders.
"Dave has held the position in a temporary capacity for some months and has overseen the Authority during a very significant time in its history," he said.
"On behalf of the State's livestock farmers I thank him sincerely for his hard work and dedication to the role."
