THE Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia has entered voluntary administration but will survive a financial misconduct investigation, the body’s leader claimed today.

PGA president Tony Seabrook.
The WA farm lobby group last week suspended its operations and membership fee collection, and staff were stood down after it became aware of “serious financial misconduct” within the organisation.
Late last week PGA members were notified of “serious financial misconduct” and a “financial deficit” within the organisation.
Yesterday afternoon the PGA board entered into voluntary administration, appointing RSM Australia partners Jerome Mohen and Greg Dudley as joint and several voluntary administrators.
Mr Mohen said the PGA executive and committee made the decision to appoint administrators after identifying financial irregularities and a funding shortfall.
“The PGA executive and committee remain committed to seeing the organisation work through the administration process and continuing its longstanding function as a respected representative of the agricultural community,” Mr Mohen said.
“Prior to our appointment, the organisation became aware of irregularities within its financial records leaving an immediate financial shortfall.
“As a result, part of our administrative process will be to focus on working closely with the PGA executive and management committee to secure short-term working capital so PGA can continue operations while we conduct our investigations into the noted financial irregularities.
“At the same time, we will review the PGA’s operations with a view to completing an appropriate restructure of the organisation’s operations and financial position so that it can successfully exit the administration process.”
Mr Mohen said administrators recognised the PGA has a long history of advocating for the agricultural industry, and encouraged any association members who have queries to contact management committee in the short-term.
“Our own firm – RSM – has strong ties to the agricultural community and we understand the value and significance of the PGA to its members and the wider West Australian community.
“With this knowledge, we understand there will be considerable interest from PGA members and the community seeking to understand the circumstances leading to the situation the organisation finds itself in today.
“As we work through the process, we would appreciate patience and support from the PGA’s members and the broader community.”
PGA of WA president Tony Seabrook told Sheep Central he had been advised not to discuss the organisation’s financial issues or status, but he said the organisation would not cease.
“Nothing has changed; we will continue doing what we’ve been doing in exactly the same way.
“It’s not going to cease, I can assure you that.”
Mr Seabrook said the outpouring of support from the PGA membership had been astonishing.
“All day I get messages from people of encouragement … not one single person has come in with a negative remark; they’ve all said it is an integral part of the rural lobby in WA and we must survive.
“All the ‘functionaries’ of the organisation do not get paid anyway, so I’ve just got to keep doing what I’ve been doing, which is advocating for agriculture to the very best of my abilities.”
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