The Australian Hemp Council (AHC) has announced a change in leadership following the resignation of Tim Schmidt, a long-time industry advocate.
Schmidt, who led the Council through a period of significant industry development, will remain active in the sector in a supporting capacity, the AHC said. He served as president of the AHC since its formation in 2020.
Matthew Lariba, Secretary of the Victorian Hemp Association and Director of Vic Hemp, was named interim president.
Tasmania holding out
Meanwhile, the AHC continues to operate without participation from the Tasmanian Hemp Association (THA), which resigned its membership in December 2024 following a dispute over governance and decision-making within the Council.
THA President Andi Lucas said this week that her organization has not rejoined the AHC and that concerns raised at the time of withdrawal remain unresolved.
“We’ll reassess at our AGM in September. But right now, all the concerns we held remain, even with Schmidt resigning,” Lucas told HempToday.
The Tasmanian group’s departure followed a contested vote at the AHC’s October 2024 general meeting, during which constitutional changes were approved despite THA’s request for a delay. The THA cited a lack of consultation with state members and concerns over financial governance, including contracts signed without full agreement from all stakeholders.
Lucas said the THA remains open to rejoining the AHC if the Council demonstrates improved governance, transparency, and provides assurances regarding members’ financial exposure.
Schmidt’s leadership
Established in 2020, the AHC serves as the national peak body for Australia’s hemp industry, coordinating advocacy and industry development efforts across state and territory organizations.
Under Schmidt’s leadership, the Council played a central role in unifying Australia’s fragmented hemp sector, including the achievement of a federal Senate Inquiry into industrial hemp, and fostering the creation of hemp associations across every state and territory. During this period, national hemp cultivation more than doubled — from 1,493 hectares in 2022–23 to over 3,200 hectares in 2023–24 — while investment in the fiber industry surged. Schmidt also steered the development of key industry resources, including a Best Management Practices Guide, an industry gap analysis, and a national research and development strategic plan aimed at guiding future investment.
Lariba’s background is in agricultural technology and environmental monitoring. He will serve until the role is permanently filled and during the AHC’s annual general meeting scheduled for later in the year as interim president while the Council prepares for its next stage of growth.