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Walter Merriman
Australian Wool Innovation’s Wal Merriman says the ‘man-in-the-mirror’ incident did not meet best practice or the sensibilities of wool growers. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP
Australian Wool Innovation’s Wal Merriman says the ‘man-in-the-mirror’ incident did not meet best practice or the sensibilities of wool growers. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Wool boss apologises for secretly watching focus group through one-way mirror

This article is more than 6 years old

Senate committee examines claims of toxic culture inside wool industry amid calls for Wal Merriman’s resignation

The head of the Australian wool industry has apologised for secretly viewing a focus group of stud breeders through a one-way mirror.

The Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) chairman, Wal Merriman, told a Senate committee in Canberra the infamous “man-in-the-mirror” incident did not meet best practice or the sensibilities of wool growers.

“Never before have meetings been held in a room with a one-way mirror,” Merriman said in his opening statement on Tuesday. “This was all very strange to me when I went to observe the process.

“If the AWI knew such a room was booked, it would never have taken place. We don’t do things this way.”

The committee is examining claims of a toxic culture inside the nation’s wool industry amid calls for Merriman’s resignation.

Some growers are calling on the federal government to cut the more than $13m it gives AWI each year.

“It’s fair to say AWI has had a difficult few months, mostly caused by me,” Merriman said.

Western Australian woolgrower David Thompson told the ABC Merriman was “punch drunk on his own power”.

“I would describe the culture at AWI as toxic and it shouldn’t be that,” Thompson said.

Thompson wants issues such as potential conflicts of interest, transparency and alleged breaches of corporate governance addressed. Some growers are angry about the AWI’s approach to mulesing, a controversial practice where skin is cut away from an animal’s buttocks to prevent fly strike.

Merriman also apologised for telling an ABC reporter to “fuck off” and describing him as a “useless prick” when he attempted to interview him at a function earlier in the month.

“I confess I am direct in the way I speak, I am from the bush,” Merriman said. “I occasionally come across in a way that causes offence.”

In 10 years rural reporting I don't recall anyone "from the bush" telling me to "f*ck off" while doing my job. Let alone an industry leader. https://t.co/qMUds54lMF

— Anna Vidot (@AnnaVidot) October 23, 2017

The hearing continues.

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