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Horticulture employs thousands of workers in Victoria every year. Workers picking fruit and vegetables are among Victoria’s most vulnerable, so it’s critical that companies that provide or host labour hire workers meet their legal obligations.

Under the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2018 (Vic):

• businesses must be licensed to supply labour hire workers, including for horticulture activities such as picking, packing, sorting and pruning
• ‘host’ businesses such as grape growers – who engage workers through a labour hire provider – must only use licensed providers.

Significant penalties can apply for breaches of these obligations – exceeding $600,000 for companies and $150,000 for individuals.

Register of licensed providers
The Labour Hire Authority’s (LHA) Register of Licensed Labour Hire Providers provides hosts with a quick way to check whether a business they are considering engaging is licensed to provide labour hire services.

By checking the Register, hosts can ensure they do not risk penalties from using an unlicensed provider, and that their provider has met the checks required to obtain and maintain a licence. LHA encourages labour hire hosts to check the Register, and to contact a provider’s nominated officer to confirm they are engaging a licensed provider. Hosts can also use LHA’s Follow My Providers tool to be notified of any changes in providers’ licence status.

A new Victorian Control Area Order came into effect on 29 September 2023.The Control Area Order continues to require permits for:

• movement of bees, hives, queen bees
• used beekeeping equipment
• pollen for bee feeding
• or bee products (including honeycomb) from all other states and territories into Victoria.

The Victorian permit system allows the entry of bees, hives and apiary movements into Victoria to enable essential horticultural activities to continue. Visit the Ag Vic website for more information on this update.

Traceability Information & Resources

Agriculture Victoria has developed a suite of free resources for producers - to raise awareness and support them with decision-making about traceability systems.

• What is Traceability- find out what it is and how it can benefit your business
• Achieving export growth with systems and standards- Podcast - Peter Carter
• Get started on traceability in your business- https://youtu.be/_3JvbGr-Z9Q
• Join the Traceability Community

The Agriculture Victoria website has more information for your reference.

Free resources | Stay safe and operational this harvest season
As we prepare for a busy harvest season and the potential of a hot dry summer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

We’re here to help you plan ahead with free resources on inducting new workers, fire preparedness and emergency procedures, seasonal worker safety, managing fatigue and more.

• New workers and not sure where to start? The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Making Our Farms Safer program offers farm visits, presentations and resources. The OHS Essentials program is another option for confidential and personalised safety support from an ag industry expert at a time that suits you. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to get started.
• Employing workers from the Pacific Islands? Seasonal workers are vital for harvest but can face unique risks on farms, so Victoria’s Pacific Island community worked with us to create straightforward safety resources. The videos, posters, and guides can help with induction and training, and are available in five languages: Bislama, Fijian, Tongan Samoan & English
  View the resources and share the link to help keep seasonal workers safe. 

Planning for the fire season? Check out Agriculture Victoria’s fire preparedness toolkitto help you prepare for the fire season. Further tips on emergency communication and procedures are available on the WorkSafe website

Visit the Worksafe website to view upcoming events and online webinars that may be of interest to you.

A conference to connect women in agriculture from across the nation. A variety of speakers that will inform, influence, innovate, invest and include.

As we prepare for our 2023 national conference, we are excited to embark on a journey of empowerment, knowledge sharing, and community building. We are committed to delivering a program that is as formidable and diverse as the individuals it serves, with a strong focus on innovation, leadership, and the interconnectedness of our agricultural landscape.

Keep an eye out on our 2023 conference website www.awiaconference.com.au and socials for the full program and speakers.

The AWIA AGM will take place on Friday 24th November from 2 to 4pm.

Purchase your Conference tickets here

Information in relation to the management of abandoned orchards is available on Agriculture Victoria’s website:

• General information in relation to the management of abandoned vineyards and orchards: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/fruit-and-nuts/orchard-management/managing-abandoned-vineyards-and-orchards
• Overview of how neglected lands can be managed for biosecurity under the Plant Biosecurity Act 2010:  https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/moving-plants-and-plant-products/managing-neglected-lands-for-biosecurity

Any grower that is adversely impacted by an abandoned or undermanaged orchard or vineyard is required to contact the department on 136 186.
 
Growers will be provided with a form that sets out all the information required for Agriculture Victoria to respond to the complaint.