2023 Performance Review Response

Recommendation
MLA should publish the terms of reference for the consultative and advisory forums it convenes.

Response
Website in the process of being updated.

Recommendation

Response

MLA should pursue opportunities to continue to improve communication of its evaluation results to internal and external stakeholders, includingreal-time dashboards and tools to assist in investment planning anddecision-making.

Whilst program evaluation forms and integral part of our annual business planning considerations, MLA is working towards dynamic return on investment reporting as part of our portfolio management.

MLA is committed to building evaluation dashboards and incorporating these into our suite of quarterly reports.

ISC should continue to provide regular status updates and consult with stakeholders to ensure they remain informed and engaged throughout the delivery of the NLIS Uplift Project.

ISC has developed a comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Plan to underpin the delivery of the NLIS Database Uplift Project. Stakeholder engagement is embedded in the project consultation framework through the industry and government co-design groups, the technical reference committee and end user-focus groups. A web page has been developed to house key information about the project, the governance and consultation frameworks that have been established, and activities that are underway. Regular updates are being shared through ISC’s Integrity Matters newsletter and through a dedicated newsletter on the NLIS Database Uplift Project. Regular forums and showcases will be held throughout the project to keep stakeholders and end users informed of how the project is progressing.

Recommendation

Response

MLA should continue to work with AMPC and LiveCorp to ensure appropriate oversight of jointly funded programs, including representation on joint funded program steering committees and consultative forums.

AMPC and Livecorp are MLA’s closest collaboration partners. We value the strong relationship we have with both entities and the efficiencies that can be derived for industry through this continued alliance.

As the entity charged with managing matching fund, MLA will continue to ensure all programs are appropriately managed and governed.

MLA should consider, where appropriate, sharing learnings and IP on its monitoring and evaluation approach with other RDCs.

MLA will continue to leverage the important role that we have within the council of RDCs to share best practice.

MLA continues to be the top contributor to Grow Ag.

MLA has also engaged with Grow Ag as follows:

• Amanda McAlpine at evoke^AG. in February 2024, including at a grow^AG. RDC Update Session held prior; 

• Bart Woolley in May 2024 as part of a small group workshop focused on research project listings;

• George Waldthausen presented full TBL framework to CRRDC in March 2023.

Recommendation

Response

MLA should continue its work to establish data collection, collation and reporting for non-economic (environmental and social) impacts in line with the TBL Evaluation Framework. In particular, priority should be given to establishing an improved methodology for evaluating investment in its CN30 (carbon neutrality by 2030) projects.

MLA is proud of the progress that has been made with our TBL framework and will continue to refine and further develop evaluation across the portfolio.

Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Red Meat 2030. Working to both evaluate and communicate the progress in this space is and will continue to be a key focus for MLA.