Current News

From 26 February 2025, eligible casuals can provide written notice to their employer to change to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway. An employer can only refuse the notice for certain reasons.
We have new templates available to help you meet the new rules.
Employees and employers can use our new templates to make or respond to a notice under the employee choice pathway.
Access our new resources and learn more at Casual employees.

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Some awards will have new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications from 2025.
 
What’s changing
There are upcoming changes for the Horticulture Award, including:

• introductory classifications can only apply for a limited time
• new rules and minimum pay apply for introductory rates.

The Review of C14 and C13 rates in modern awards arose from the Annual Wage Review 2018-19 Decision and follows from the decision of 16 April 2024 in which it was determined that:

• the lowest classification rate in any modern award applicable to ongoing employment should be at least the C13 rate (currently $915.90 per week)
• any classification rate below the C13 rate must be an entry-level rate operating for a limited period and provide a clear transition to a higher rate
• the transition period should not exceed 6 months.

Therefore, following changes to the Horticulture Award 2020, Level 1 will progress to Level 2 after no more than 3 months’ industry experience.

The changes apply from 1 April 2025.  More information will be provided closer to this date.

Horticulture Award Determination available HERE

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION OPEN
The extension and communication project team are excited to announce our National Vigour Management in person workshops, in February and March 2025 across the major growing regions.

We are welcoming Ronald Vermeulen, a Senior Fruit Consultant from the Netherlands and other guests to focus on practical strategies including nutrition, pruning and irrigation to effectively manage vigour and crop load in cherries.

The Victorian Workshop will be held on Monday 03 March at Agriculture Victoria, 255 Ferguson Rd, Tatura.

REGISTER HERE for Victoria.

More details on the agenda for each workshop and venues coming soon. We welcome all growers, industry supporters and researchers to attend our events.
If you have any questions, or wish to get involved, please contact Jess Fearnley This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Fiona Pogue This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We hope to see you there!

The Cherry Fund Investment Plan for 2024/25 is available for download.

• what to do before the portal opens for applications
• how to navigate the online application form
• the technical tips that will help you have the best user experience possible

Click here for more information and to register.......