Mr Michael Hartmann has today commenced his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA). Mr Hartmann previously held the position of Deputy Director with the Cattle Council of Australia.

In announcing the appointment, CRCA Chairman Hon Tony Staley said “We are pleased to have an Executive of Michael’s calibre join our team. His skills in lobbying and applied science will be a strong asset to the future direction of the CRC Association.”

Mr Hartmann was Deputy Director with Cattle Council for 5 ½ years where he represented the interests of beef cattle producers and managed the Council’s lobbying activities. He regularly presented at Parliamentary inquiries and represented industry on numerous high level committees, particularly in relation to animal health and quarantine. Prior to his time at Cattle Council he worked with the Agricultural Business Research Institute at the University of New England.

“A key focus of Michael’s role at the CRCA will be to represent the CRCs while providing and facilitating advocacy to Federal parliament to ensure that the CRC Programme holds its position as the premier initiative in the Australian Government’s R&D portfolio.” Mr Staley continued.

Cooperative Research Centres are the hub of research in Australia across a broad range of sciences, technologies and industries. The CRC Programme was established in 1990 to increase collaboration between researchers and industry and to better promote the uptake and use of research.

Since its inception the Australian Government has funded the CRC Programme to the tune of over $2.3 billion. A 2006 study showed that as a result of the research, training and commercialisation activities of the CRCs, Australian GDP has been increased by nearly $2.7 billion.

“We welcome Michael to the CRC team and look forward to working together to ensure the long-term future of the CRC Programme and its world-leading outcomes”, Mr Staley concluded.
ENDS

For further information contact:

Hon Tony Staley, CRCA Chairman, Ph 0408 292 068

Michael Hartmann, CRCA CEO, Ph 0438 081 968