Highlighting the need for effective Board

13 November 2024

Robbie Sefton AM grew up in Deniliquin and continues to champion the importance of good leadership in the district and uses her vast experience to assist local organisations and businesses.

She has returned to the region on numerous occasions to facilitate workshops, assist in preparation of reports to help build a better future, and as an inspirational guest speaker.

As such, when Murray Irrigation (MIL) was establishing an Independent Selection Committee (ISC) to interview and recommend company directors to fill casual vacancies earlier this year, Ms Sefton was an obvious committee candidate. She did not disappoint MIL, agreeing to be part of the ISC which also included Finley businessman Chris Kelly and founder/director of respected HR company Blink Connect, Jennie Grigg.

From the nominations received for the director positions, the committee recommended Murray Irrigation appoint four candidates. After informal interviews with the Board, these appointments were made.

Nearly six months on, Ms Sefton reflects on the importance of diversity, leadership and culture on a Board of Directors.

“Murray Irrigation is Australia’s largest private water supply provider with a value of over $1 billion,” Ms Sefton said.  

“MIL’s shareholders (local Irrigators), staff, suppliers and the community expect and deserve good leadership and decision making from the MIL Board.

“In April this year, I applauded the Board on its courage to appoint an Independent Selection Committee to assist with the recruitment process of new Board members. 

“The ISC was appointed based on their sound understanding of the region, and the issues and challenges the Board and MIL faced.

“Additionally, the MIL Board was seeking a small committee with a record of good leadership, governance and, where possible, water industry experience.”

Ms Sefton explained that a very structured and timely recruitment process was designed and implemented by the ISC. Potential candidates participated in a thorough and rigorous interview process, resulting in the ISC providing the MIL Board with their preferred candidates for its consideration.

“I believe the ISC Board candidates were qualified, skilled and focussed more on being a professional board member who operates in a collaborative leadership manner, rather than on his or her individual success,” she said.

The ISC fully appreciated the need for a company the size of MIL to have a diverse and effective Board. 

With sound knowledge of the region and the role MIL plays within it, Ms Sefton knew it was critical for the company to have a high functioning and high performing organisation with a Board that demonstrates and delivers accountability. 

She said to ensure this is imbedded into the DNA of MIL, she believes a leadership and cultural shift journey is being undertaken with the current Board.

“They must demonstrate unity and, from my perspective looking outside in, it appears this is happening,” she said.

Ms Sefton, with her extensive board and corporate experience, understands that an effective board must operate with good governance that ensures it can meet its fiduciary, compliance and regulatory obligations. 

“The MIL Board members are the people responsible for this, while at the same time having a highly professional and respectful relationship with the company’s executive management, staff, shareholders and stakeholders,” she said.

“I have personally observed, and have also been advised by some stakeholders including senior government officials, staff, the community and external decision makers, that the relationships they have with MIL are improving and their interactions are more purposeful, effective and respectful. 

“I believe the Board and the senior executive team are obligated to work in a collaborative manner and to better understand their roles, responsibilities and accountability to each other, the staff, community, external stakeholders and shareholders. 

“The ‘new’ MIL Board’s journey has only just begun, and it is now up to the shareholders to let them get on and do their job by ratifying the new Board appointments at the November AGM.”