It follows weeks of damaging press detailing the secrets and distrust between Mr van Rooyen and the board members who also represent the Australian Wool Growers Association.

Most recently AWGA publicly pushed for Mr van Rooyen to be replaced by fellow board member Roger Fletcher.

Board members were yesterday asked to vote on a motion of support for Mr van Rooyen, in full knowledge that their stance would then be publicised.

The motion stated: "Noting recent press comments attributed to the President of AWGA and AWI director Olsson calling for the chairman of AWI, Mr Brian van Rooyen, to be replaced, this board expresses its full support of Mr van Rooyen as both director and chairman of AWI. The board further resolves to make public how each director voted on this resolution."

The AWI board directors that voted for the resolution were: Dr John Keniry, Dr Chris Abell, Dr Kevin Bell, Robyn Clubb, and Ken Boundy.

The AWI board directors that voted against the resolution were Wal Merriman and Chick Olsson.

Roger Fletcher abstained from the vote.

According to AWI Mr van Rooyen was absent from the meeting when the board discussed and voted on the above resolution.

Dr Keniry was acting chairman in his absence.