Current News
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Following our state’s significant rain events, you may not be thinking about summer and working in the heat. However for a safe and successful harvest season, we all know it’s best to plan ahead.
Working outdoors in the heat can bring unique risks and our bodies can be tested and become fatigued during harvest times.
Fatigue isn’t the same as being sleepy or drowsy. It’s about pushing our bodies beyond their mental and physical limits day after day, with no time to recover.
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The first of its kind, the Hub provides agribusinesses with information about traceability practices (including webinars, videos, podcasts and practical tools). The Hub provides a central, online place to inform, educate and connect businesses along the supply chain.
Check it out NOW- http://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/traceability
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Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws
The Australian Government has passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022. This legislation introduces new workplace laws and changes a range of existing rules. Some of these changes started on 7 December 2022, while others start later.
Key changes
The new laws and rules relate to:
- prohibiting pay secrecy and job ads that contravene the Fair Work Act
- flexible work and fixed term contracts
- anti-discrimination and prohibiting workplace sexual harassment
- unpaid parental leave changes
- enterprise agreements and enterprise bargaining
- equal remuneration and establishing expert panels
- changes to the small claims process
- abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC).
Visit the FWO website for more information: Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws.
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New agriculture and horticulture program – ‘Smarter, Safer Farms’
Changes to hosts’ duties under the OHS Act to labour hire workers
Labour hire hosts need to be aware of the recent changes to their workplace health and safety obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The changes took effect from 22 March 2022. This means that hosts now have the same health and safety responsibilities to labour hire workers as to their direct employees. It is important to note that providers still have their OHS duties to workers – these are not reduced by these clearer responsibilities for hosts. Visit the LHA website for further info.
LHA in 2023 – compliance focus and engagement opportunities
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) continues to engage with industry and provide tailored opportunities for providers and hosts to learn about developments in labour hire licensing. We recently held an in-person session for horticulture and viticulture providers and hosts in the Yarra Valley. Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel led the two-hour session highlighting legal obligations, relevant updates to legislation, and case studies, as well as addressing a range of questions. LHA will be hosting similar events across key industry areas in 2023, with a range of online and in-person events for providers, hosts, workers, and other stakeholders. Read more of this LHA article here
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Are you employing workers from the Pacific Islands, or do you know someone who is?
Seasonal workers can face unique risks on farms, so Victoria’s Pacific Island community has 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.
Tips from farmers: keeping a seasonal workforce safe
Jon Van Popering oversees all Australian operations at Seeka Australia, including nine orchards and two post-harvest facilities scattered through the Bunbartha area, just north of Shepparton.
Seeka employs a seasonal workforce from a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. Jon approaches induction and training as if all staff are brand new, even if they’ve worked on other farms. This means everyone receives thorough and consistent information. You can watch a short Q & A Video with Jon here or you can visit the Worksafe Victoria website to read more about the Farmer story visit with Jon.
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- New paid family and domestic violence leave entitlement
- Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill
- How can my business prevent sexual harassment?
- Hiring holiday employees? Be aware of important changes to super
- Rules and entitlements during the end-of-year holiday season
- Managing Leave requests
- Hiring Christmas Casuals
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