2026 Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Program Advisory Panel Chair Application

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 12:00PM 17 February 2026 (AEDT).

IMPORTANT: Please read information below to assist you in completing your application online.

AgriFutures Australia is seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals for the position of Chair of the Thoroughbred Horses Advisory Panel.

The AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program invests in Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) to address thoroughbred breeding industry challenges and opportunities.

The Program has four key objectives as detailed in the RD&E Plan:

  1. Thoroughbred horse welfare, workforce safety and environmental sustainability
  2. Thoroughbred breeding
  3. Workforce, industry and community engagement
  4. Thoroughbred diseases and parasites

The role of the Chair of the Advisory Panel is to:

  • Chair effective Panel meetings and other relevant meetings and functions
  • Provide leadership to the Panel
  • Facilitate a professional environment and open communications involving the Panel, Industry and AgriFutures to support an effective decision-making process
  • Ensure that the strategic direction of the Panel and governance are the focus at Panel discussions
  • Ensure that stakeholder interests are accurately represented to the Panel
  • Ensure that all Panel decisions are understood by Panel members and accurately recorded
  • Act as the delegated officer responsible for assessing the declared conflict of interest and for implementing appropriate mitigations strategies

The Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel consists of breeders, researchers, veterinarians and breeding industry representatives with a range of skills and experience in the thoroughbred industry.

The Advisory Panel, in partnership with AgriFutures Australia, provides recommendations on the allocation of RD&E funding for the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program.

AgriFutures Australia aims to maintain geographical, age and gender diversity to ensure that the Advisory Panel appropriately represents the Australian thoroughbred breeding industry.

The core functions of AgriFutures Industry Advisory Panels are to ensure that RD&E investment remains industry-demand driven, including:

  • Advising- providing advice on the industry requirements for investment through the development and monitoring of RD&E Plans
  • Identifying – providing recommendations to AgriFutures on suitable RD&E opportunities and activities to address industry issues
  • Aligning – providing feedback and investment advice on RD&E proposals submitted to AgriFutures to ensure investment is aligned to priorities in the Program’s RD&E Plan
  • Awareness – representing the industry to advise and assist in the dissemination, adoption and commercialisation of RD&E activities.

Activities of the Program are funded by industry levy and Commonwealth funds, and any funds contributed from third parties. Advisory Panel members are recompensed for their services to AgriFutures Australia at rates determined by the Commonwealth’s Remuneration Tribunal.

Panel Chairs may be required for up to 25 days per year and some domestic travel is necessary.

Selection criteria:

  • Industry experience and desire to contribute to the industry
  • Strategic leadership and governance skills
  • Understanding of industry research priorities
  • Contribution to AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Panel

This exciting opportunity is open to breeders, industry professionals, veterinarians, and/or researchers who have an interest in contributing to the profitability and sustainability of the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry.


Applications are now open and close noon AEDT, Tuesday 17 February 2026.

For more information on the desired skill set for the Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Panel Chair, please see the Thoroughbred Horses RD&E Panel Chair selection criteria.

For more information please contact:

Amanda Olthof
Senior Manager, Levied Industries
amanda.oltjof@agrifutures.com.au or 0499 384 037