Applications are sought for the part-time position of Chair of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) for a term of up to three years.

About CRDC

CRDC invests in research, development and extension (RD&E;) outcomes for the Australian cotton industry. It is a partnership between the Commonwealth Government and cotton growers, established to support the sustainable future of cotton through innovation, collaboration and adoption. CRDC's investments support an industry that makes a significant contribution to Australia's economy and regional communities.

CRDC is a statutory rural research and development corporation (RDC) established by the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 (PIRD Act). The position is a statutory appointment made by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry under subsection 17(1) of the PIRD Act.

Currently the CRDC has a board, consisting of a part-time Chair and six part-time non-executive directors, appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and a full time Managing Director, appointed by the other board members.

Role of the Chair The CRDC Chair has primary responsibility for steering the corporation toward fulfilling its responsibilities and stimulating positive board dynamics.

The role of the CRDC Chair is to:

- lead the CRDC board and work with the CRDC executive to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and deliver on CRDC’s purpose
- guide CRDC’s investment in RD&E; according to government and industry priorities and other policy direction, ensuring the investment provides value to industry
- consult and communicate with government,



industry representative organisations, and other stakeholders
- seek opportunities to work collaboratively with other RDCs and participate in the Council of Rural RDCs Chairs meetings
- maintain strong governance practices with regular reviews, including periodic review of the board’s functioning and performance.

The Chair is a statutory office holder. It is important to understand the responsibilities and liabilities as a director holding public office. Applicants should review the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013, which sets out the accountability for directors of Australian Government statutory offices. The Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989 provides the legislative basis for operation of the corporation.

Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate highly developed experience and capability in:

- leadership in complex organisations and people management
- setting strategic organisation direction and financial management
- business acumen
- research and development investments
- communication and consultation skills
- working in a board environment and governance practices
- understanding of government statutory authorities




- knowledge and/or experience in Australia’s rural industries

Note: Under the PIRD Act, if you are a member of the executive of Cotton Australia, you cannot hold this position and be a director, including Chair, on the CRDC Board. If nominated to the Chair position, you must resign from your position at Cotton Australia before appointment is possible.

Remuneration

Remuneration and allowances for the CRDC Chair are prescribed by the Australian Government Remuneration Tribunal (Remuneration and Allowances for Holders of Part-Time Public Office) Determination 2026.

The current determination sets remuneration at $69,080 per year for the part-time position and provides for Tier 2 travel allowances.

Assessment of Applications and Appointment The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will provide a list of suitable candidates to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for consideration. The preferred candidate will be subject to approval by the Prime Minister. The appointment process can take several months to complete; while assessments will commence following the closing date, an outcome is expected by February 2027.

How to apply

Applicants are asked to provide a statement of claims (1000 word maximum) addressing the skills and experience listed above and what they would bring to the role together with a current CV (maximum of four pages).

Contact for further information

HorizonOne People Solutions

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 02 6189 1044

Closing date: 11.00 pm (AEDT) on Thursday 12 November 2026

📌 Chair Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) (Canberra)
🏢 Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
📍 Canberra