McCluskey resigns as RAI chief

Article printed in FarmOnline (QLD) on May 8, 2015.

The Regional Australian Institute (RAI) CEO, Su McClusky, has declared she is stepping down from her position of three years to follow other pursuits. She will still retain an advisory role in the Institute however her position will be taken over by the former Deputy CEO, Jack Archer.

Ms McClusky has had an essential role in developing the RAI since their start in 2012. She has helped ensure that the original $8million federal government grant has been invested and used effectively so the RAI can become self-sufficient and a leading edge group with regional communities. She has successfully established the Institute as an influential and authoritative voice of regional Australia.

However, her successor is considered more than capable to ensure the future of the RAI. Mr Archer has been labelled as an ideal candidate for the position due to his experiences with regional issues and knowledge and investment with the RAI. “On behalf of the board, I’d like to thank Su for the incredible energy and commitment she has given to the organisation,” he said. “Su has steered the RAI into a strong position with a powerful body of research and policy work achieved and valuable relationships established around the country.”

The RAI has been looking at alternative ways to keep the $8million grant alive, however they acknowledge that the process of becoming self-sufficient was always going to be a long journey and their high employment levels and in-depth research that is essential to get the Institute established was chewing through a lot of money. While the Institute still has a strong desire to become self-sustaining, they are hoping that the Government will see the value of their work and help fund them for a little longer.