History of the Statutory AWTA 1957 - 1982 (David J Ward OAM)
- 2025年10月17日, 星期五
This history of AWTA Ltd traces its evolution from a government backed authority in 1957, to a pioneering and industry led Company by 1982.
Initially hampered by unrealistic demand forecasts, limited equipment, and tight Treasury loan conditions, AWTA struggled to establish itself. A turning point came in 1963, when it was restructured under the Australian Wool Board, which provided critical support and leadership. By 1967, AWTA achieved its first operating profit, laying the groundwork for technical excellence and industry trust.
The most transformative phase began in 1969, with a bold long range plan to introduce scientific wool measurement and pre-auction testing. AWTA led this charge, expanding laboratory capacity, investing in technology, and collaborating with CSIRO and AOMP. Its impartial test certificates became central to modern wool marketing.
The Company’s structure limited by guarantee and governed by a balanced board, ensures its commitment to service and fairness, with the Scales of Justice symbolising its role as the Wool industry’s trusted arbiter.
Click here for more reading:
History of the Statutory Australian Wool Testing Authority (1957 – 1982)
This history book has been extracted from official records including documents held by Commonwealth archives, AWTA, IWTO, AWB and AWC minutes and reports, and from files still held by AWTA Ltd