GPA would like to join the many other farm industry representative groups, individuals and others – including political leaders – in expressing heartfelt tributes to Luke Bowen and condolences.
News of Luke’s recent passing has been deeply felt by many people who have shared their respects; especially those he’s impacted positively whilst performing various industry and community leadership roles.
A former Executive Director of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, and more recently as a CEO of Cattle Australia, Luke is recognised as an astute industry leader, who leaves a positive, lasting legacy on many groups and individuals.
Performing other professional roles with great passion and determination, Luke has also played a part influencing positive social and economic development for Northern Australia.
In particular, Luke is highly regarded and remembered for his strong and influential leadership of the NTCA, during the Indonesian live cattle ban crisis of 2011.
GPA expresses sincere thoughts and condolences to Luke’s partner, Tracey Hayes, and family members and close friends, at this difficult time.
GPA’s Colin Bettles said he was deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Luke’s passing and was proud to call him a great mate and mentor.
“Working as a journalist in the Canberra Press Gallery from 2010, I was fortunate to meet Luke for the first time where he made an immediate and lasting impression,” he said.
‘I soon discovered he was a genuinely good person and strong advocate for the NTCA’s members – he was also a strong and powerful voice, in the fight for truth and justice.
“I had a front row seat on many occasions in the parliament and outside of it when Luke stood up and advocated with great passion, care and commitment, for the northern cattle industry.
“He always had time to sit down and talk about the issues, in more detail and also ensured proper recognition and acknowledgement of the broader role beef production plays for real people and rural communities, not only in the NT.”
Colin said Luke was given the affectionate nickname ‘Hollywood’ by his farm representative peers in Canberra due to his high-quality influential media performances, during the toughest of times for the Australian agricultural sector.
“Luke’s ability to communicate and translate complex issues in the media and across political or ideological lines was also matched by his tireless work behind the scenes,” he said.
“His leadership style included taking thoughtful and decisive actions to ensure genuine community and stakeholder engagement occurred, to work out the right way forward, guided by fairness and justice.
“Luke was a natural media performer and talented communicator who helped others understand the bigger picture. He had a rare skills and ability to explain the grassroots impacts and consequences of complex policy and political issues on real people; not only producers.
“Luke’s authentic style and genuine passion were clearly on display each time he stood up and spoke up, in fighting for and doing what’s right.
“Our thoughts are with Tracey and Luke’s family and many good friends, at this difficult time.”
This article also provides more tributes to Luke. https://www.beefcentral.com/news/an-unfathomable-loss-cattle-industry-mourns-luke-bowen/
Pic: Luke Bowen addresses the media at the NTCA conference in Alice Springs, in 2013.
Pic: Luke Bowen representing the NTCA, addressing a hearing of the Senate inquiry into live exports, held in Darwin in August 2011.
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