Wally Newman.
UPDATE: Former CBH Group chair Wally Newman has officially announced his candidacy for the board, shaking up the co-operative’s director elections just five years after stepping down. This development comes amid growing concerns of potential corporate interest in a takeover of CBH Group, which has farmers on high alert.
Newman, who resigned in April 2020 after a remarkable 20-year tenure—including six years as chairman—has reignited his political ambitions by nominating for a board seat in District 4, a southern Wheatbelt electorate extending towards Albany. His move is seen as a bold challenge to the current leadership and reflects urgent issues facing the co-operative.
He is the only candidate to nominate outside of the CBH Group’s Candidate Assessment Panel, which was implemented in 2021 to streamline candidate evaluation. Newman’s last attempt to secure a board position in 2021 was unsuccessful, where he was defeated by fellow farmer Royce Taylor.
Newman’s motivation to re-enter the race stems from recent rumors about corporate entities eyeing a potential bid to take over CBH. “Where there is smoke, there is fire,” he stated, emphasizing the need for immediate attention to the co-operative’s structure. “I have had a few phone calls in the past week… it was a last-minute decision,” he added, highlighting the urgency felt among growers.
Facing off against Taylor again, Newman will also contend with first-time nominee Clayton South, a well-known farmer from Wagin. The election in District 4 is expected to be competitive, particularly with the stakes raised by potential corporate involvement.
Newman is advocating for what he calls “unfinished structural changes” within the cooperative. He expressed his belief that the co-operative model is essential but needs continual refinement to ensure fairness and equity for growers. “You constantly have to be looking at what is fair and equitable for the grower… that is what I have always stood for,” he stated, urging for a more transparent operational framework.
Reflecting on the past, Newman praised an earlier CBH toll system which offered growers more direct control over grain handling and storage. Although he recognizes the advancements made in CBH’s freight and digital management, he cautions against losing the transparency that the previous toll structure provided.
This election is pivotal not only for Newman but for the future of CBH Group itself. As the co-operative faces potential changes, the implications for local farmers and the agricultural community are profound. Farmers will be watching closely as the election unfolds, with Newman’s candidacy sparking fresh debates about the direction of CBH.
As the race heats up, industry observers suggest that this could be a turning point for CBH, with Newman’s experience and perspective offering a counterbalance to the current board’s strategy. What happens next could reshape the landscape of the co-operative and impact farmers across the region significantly.
Stay tuned for more updates as the CBH Group elections draw near and as farmers prepare to make their voices heard in this crucial moment for the cooperative.
