to the export of wheat from the National Pool (also referred to as the single desk marketing system); monitored compliance with the conditions of export consents; administered the Non-bulk Wheat Quality Assurance Scheme; and managed operations efficiently and effectively, consistent with corporate governance principles, and informed stakeholders of its activities. The EWC assumed responsibility for the role of the former Wheat Export Authority to monitor and report on Australia's single desk wheat export arrangements, under which AWB (International) Ltd (AWB(I)) was given a near monopoly on exporting wheat, in particular bulk exports. The 2007/08 National Pool was the last one to be managed by AWBI. Overview The Export Wheat Commission (EWC) was established as an Australian Government statutory authority on 1 October 2007, under the Wheat Marketing Act 1989 (the Act) after legislative changes in June 2007. This Overview is based on the EWC's Corporate Plan 2007–08 and the Portfolio Budget Statement 2008–09. Vision The EWC vision was for a sustainable, innovative and internationally competitive wheat export sector that continued to provide optimal returns for growers and develop Australia's broader interests. Mission The EWC facilitated the operations of Australia's legislated wheat export arrangements and informed Government and growers of outcomes. About The EWC was an Australian Government agency within the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry portfolio. It operated under the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 and was required to meet related financial management and reporting requirements. EWC staff were employed under the Public Service Act 1999. The EWC comprised a Chairman and four other Commissioners, appointed for a period of up to three years by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The Commissioners were supported by a Secretariat which comprised up to 16 full-time staff headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Commissioners were responsible for fulfilling the statutory requirements of the EWC. The Secretariat assisted the Commissioners in meeting their obligations. The Commissioners carried out major decision-making functions and provided guidance to the Acting CEO who had delegated authority to undertake many of the functions and responsibilities of the EWC. Day-to-day control over core areas of EWC activity rested with a small executive team who worked closely with Secretariat staff. Primary functions Under the Act the EWC had three functions: to control the export of wheat from Australia (other than the export of wheat in bags or containers) to monitor AWB International Limited's (AWBI's) performance in relation