Pastoral Lands Board seeking new Chairperson following resignation of Leanne Corker

Written on the 6 May 2016 by Jael Napper

The Director General of the Department of Lands, Colin Slattery recently issued a letter to all stakeholders following the resignation of Leanne Corker.

It reads: 

As you may be aware Leanne Corker, has resigned as Chairperson of the Pastoral Lands Board (the Board). I take this opportunity to thank Leanne for her strong leadership and her proactive approach in achieving, among other things:

  • The first ever PLB Strategic Plan 2014-2019, which clearly captures the Board's commitment to the ecological sustainability of pastoral leases, the legislated functions of the board and the diversity of its membership which includes people with pastoral, Aboriginal, conservation and government knowledge and expertise;
    a 99.5% rate of compliance throughout the pastoral estate to enable the successful renewal of 435 pastoral leases on 1 July 2015;
  • Development of the PLB code of conduct which ensures that the Board meets the requirements of the Public Sections Commission in all areas of its business, including how matters of conflict of interest will be addressed both during meeting processes and outside of them; and
  • Improved administration of the Board.
While we go through the process of appointing a new Chairperson, it is important that the Board continues to exercise its important functions in accordance with the Land Administration Act 1997 (LAA).  I appreciate the effort and time that all board members give up to perform the duties of the Board that support the endeavours of many in the Pastoral Industry.

To perform its functions effectively, the Board needs to have people with industry experience hence the importance that the Board and Government place on governance and management of conflicts of interest that may arise to protect the integrity of its work.

Recently a comment was made by the department that the Board has a perceived conflict of interest by its very nature of requiring participation of people with Pastoral experience. However, I am very confident that the Board has and will continue to manage any such conflicts in an appropriate and professional manner and in accordance with its Code of Conduct and the LAA. The reaffirmation by the Board members of its Code of Conduct (which is based on the Public Sector Commissions' Conduct Guide for public sector boards and committees) on 28 April further evidences its strong commitment to good governance and I can assure you that both the Department of Lands and the Department of Agriculture and Food will continue to support and assist the PLB in managing any perceived or actual conflicts that may arise.

For more information, please contact Mr Matt Pestell, A/Manager Pastoral Land on telephone

08 6552 4625 or email: matt.pestell@lands.wa.gov.au or visit http://www.lands.wa.gov.au/Pastoral-Leases/Pastoral-Lands-Board

Author:Jael Napper

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