The Commonwealth Senate Select Committee on Job Security has inquired into the impact of insecure or precarious employment, with evidence given to the Committee by several workers from the horticulture sector. Media stories since have further highlighted workers’ concerns and the challenges faced with cleaning up the labour hire industry servicing this sector. Read more of this article here...
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) continues its work to prevent labour hire worker exploitation in the horticulture industry this year. Inspectors and authorised officers from WorkSafe, Labour Hire Authority and the Department of Justice and Community Safety will visit Yarra Valley farms to conduct compliance checks and offer advice on how to tackle health and safety hazards. These site visits follow an online information session giving Yarra Valley growers and providers the opportunity to refresh their knowledge on workplace health and safety. Read more of this article here...
Useful links and information:
Testing and vaccinations:
Business support and wellbeing:
COVID isolation and exemption:
Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2020/21The latest annual Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook is out now. It covers trade, volume, value, retail and foodservice data across 75 different commodities. Access the 2020/21 Handbook here.
HIA have released 2022-2026 Strategic Investment Plans for Apple and Pear, Cherries and Stonefruit
These plans are the roadmaps that help guide Hort Innovation’s investment of levies and Australian Government contributions. Industry-specific Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) outline the key priorities for investment in each levy industry. Each SIP has been created through close consultation with industry, to ensure it represents the balanced interests and opportunities for that industry. Visit the Hort Innovation website to access the above Strategic Investment plans.
For the latest information regards COVID-19, please follow this link. Agriculture and resources sector guidance | Coronavirus Victoria
You are no longer required to wear a face mask in most indoor settings, but wearing a mask remains recommended. You must always carry your mask when leaving home. For more information on where Face masks are still mandatory, please visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website
If the STP-enabled payroll solution you use is ready, you should start STP phase 2 reporting. You’ll be considered to have transitioned on time if you start phase 2 reporting before 1 March 2022. The Australian Taxation Office's resources will help you with the transition.
The Fair Work Commission has announced fruit pickers nationwide will be given a guaranteed minimum wage rate from April 28, a historic industrial policy won by the Australian Workers’ Union last November. Workers will be entitled to take home a casual rate pay of $25.41 an hour, an announcement some farmers have criticised as it may reduce the pool of labour. Country News
This webinar is for horticulture businesses and industry groups in the Yarra Valley region. Our operational staff will provide information so you can understand your obligations and what inspectors and authorised officers are looking for, in case you get a visit.
A link to the online session will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
For any further enquiries please contact:
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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