Speakers 2025

Jan comes from a multi-generational farming family in the Kojonup and Katanning districts of Western Australia. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree she spent 20 years in labour relations policy and advocacy in the WA public sector.  During that period, which included senior executive service roles, she advised small businesses, ministers and the WA Cabinet on policy and legislative reforms and helped usher in WA’s ground-breaking workplace agreements system.  She was also instrumental in establishing the Wageline service in WA.

In 2000 she left the public service to partner in consultancy firm Cooper Piesse & Associates, offering labour relations and advocacy services, advice on managing public/private sector relationships and general management services for not-for-profit organisations and industry associations, primarily in the agribusiness sector. Major clients include the Livestock & Rural Transport Association where she fulfills the role of chief executive officer and the WA Pork Producers’ Association.

Jan has been a member of the Beef Council of WA, the WA Architects Board and chair of charitable group Prepare Produce Provide.  She is currently a member of the Transafe WA management committee.