Growers from central and southern NSW carried around a mock coffin, while leading single desk campaigner Jock Munro, replete with kilt, played a dirge on the bagpipes on busy LaTrobe Street, Melbourne, in front of AWB’s Ceres House headquarters prior to the AGM.

The protest was not limited to before the meeting, with AWB chairman Peter Polson forced to answer several questions on AWB’s role in the dismantling of the single desk.

“It was not AWB that got rid of the single desk,” he said.

However, Pat Drum, Balldale, NSW, questioned whether AWB had been lobbying to have the wheat marketing system opened up.

“I have sources in Canberra and they said you were there right through the decision making period, lobbying to have the single desk dismantled.”

Mr Munro said AWB’s actions during the period of marketing reform were ‘shameful’.

“You’ve helped destroy the single desk, and you’ve helped to destroy the company that was established by our fathers and grandfathers.

“You demeaned the grower directors as not being up to the job, and look what has happened now, a $200 million loss.”

Mark Dwyer, Rankins Springs, NSW, said he was unhappy the company’s poor showing had eroded the value of shares he was forced to take out through the former Wheat Industry Fund.

“I made compulsory contributions of $50,000 to this company through the WIF, and now shares have dropped to $1.07, so I feel as though you owe me some money.”

A testy Mr Polson, clearly agitated by over two and a half hours of statements masquerading as questions to him, said debate on the wheat marketing act was not AWB’s concern, as a listed company dedicated to maximising shareholder returns.

“The world has moved on and AWB is a different entity to then.

“The board understands the value of its customers, and we don’t believe we have abandoned growers, but equally we understand that there will enmity towards this company so long as Mr Munro lives.

“All I can say is that we didn’t do away with the single desk, and you can drag coffins and play bagpipes but AWB can’t re-establish it.

“These protests are becoming pure theatre, and while they may help Mr Munro exorcise his demons, we have to focus on our competition, big competition in maintaining our share of the wheat market.”