Thursday, 24 September 2026
The Boards of the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) and the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) have progressed plans for the proposed merger of the two industry-owned organisations following extensive consultation with members and strong support for the proposal.
The consultation process has confirmed broad member support for the merger and the potential benefits of a more integrated structure to support the future needs of the Australian wool industry. As a result, both organisations have now finalised a series of enabling constitutional and governance changes that will be presented to members for consideration at their respective Annual General Meetings.
AWTA members will consider the proposed changes at the AWTA Annual General Meeting on 15 October 2026, while AWEX members will vote on the merger proposal at the AWEX Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026.
“The positive response received during the consultation process demonstrates that members recognise the opportunities that a combined organisation can deliver through improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery to the wool industry,” said AWEX Chair Andreas Clark.
AWTA members will be asked to approve the inclusion of an additional object within the AWTA Constitution to reflect the incorporation of AWEX’s core activities:
“To provide an internationally competitive system for the fair, efficient and informed trading of Australian wool for the benefit of all wool market participants.”
AWTA members will also be asked to approve amendments to the AWTA Articles of Association to enable AWEX representation at AWTA Board level. This will allow for the appointment of up to two persons with particular knowledge of AWEX to the AWTA Board of Directors together with the appointment of an additional Independent Director. If AWEX members approve the merger, it is proposed that Martin Moses (Moses and Son), Peter King (Australian Merino Exports) and Andreas Clark (Independent Chair of AWEX) will be appointed to the AWTA Board to fill these positions.
AWTA Chair Gordon Dickinson said, “The strong support received from members has provided both organisations with the confidence to move to the next stage of the merger process. The proposed arrangements are designed to ensure the valuable expertise and industry knowledge continue to contribute to the future delivery of services to the Australian wool industry.”
AWEX members will be asked at their 19 November 2026 AGM to approve the proposal for AWEX to merge with AWTA and complete the transfer of AWEX’s business, operations, assets and liabilities to AWTA, with an effective wind-up date of 30 June 2027.
Subject to member approval at both AGMs, AWTA Limited will be the continuing entity following the merger and AWEX will then commence the transfer of its business, operations, relevant assets and liabilities, and employees to AWTA as part of a structured transition process. Michael Jackson will remain Managing Director of AWTA Limited and Charlie McElhone, CEO of AWEX, will continue to lead the AWEX business while overseeing its integration into the merged entity.
Both Boards remain committed to a transparent approach throughout the process and believe the merger will create a stronger platform to deliver industry services, maintain confidence in Australian wool quality and integrity systems, and support the long-term interests of wool growers and other industry participants.
Andreas Clark – Chair AWEX
Gordon Dickinson – Chair AWTA