Current News
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Australian produce making their way back to export markets
The International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) is up and away, with several IFAM-supported flights now operational. More than 560 Australian businesses have registered their interest in using the IFAM and agreements for 300 freight flights have been secured to date. Visit the IFAM website for the latest flight information and schedules.
Register your interest
Exporters should submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to access IFAM flights. Further information on how IFAM works is available on the IFAM webpage.
Visit the IFAM website for the latest flight information and schedules...
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PMA Australia-New Zealand have released a Guide on coping with COVID-19 in the workplace. The guide provides advice on:
- Recommendations to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19
- Accommodation of workforce
- Staff health and welfare
- Protocols if an employee is found to be infected with COVID-19
Although restrictions will be easing and things appear to be settling down, we still need to remain vigilant to ensure no outbreaks in our industry.
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Tax Support for Small Business
Is your small business affected by COVID-19? Come to this free 60 minute webinar to find out how the Government’s stimulus package can help your small business.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) resources for business
If your business is being affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) there are resources that can help. Visit the Victorian Chamber of Commerce website for further information.
Interactive Webinars- Melbourne Innovation Centre
Visit the Melbourne Innovation Centre website to view a list of the interactive webinars are delivered as part of the ASBAS Digital Solutions program, in partnership with the Australian Government and Melbourne Innovation Centre.
Yarra Ranges Council- Covid-19 Business Resources
Visit the Yarra Ranges Council website to access Covid-19 Business Support Resources with information from Federal and State Governments, industry and Council.
Coronavirus business support and financial assistance finder- Business Victoria
A range of assistance is available from the Australian and Victorian governments and other organisations to support businesses impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). Our finder will ask you a series of questions to help you find the funding or support available to you based on your circumstances.
Online workshops for your small business- Business Victoria
All Small Business Victoria workshops are currently being delivered online via Zoom for free. Explore topics on staring your business, building resilience, marketing, finance, and business planning. All workshops are normally low-cost, but right now they are free! Browse workshops here...
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Some of the basic requirements to enter each state
NSW, Victoria and ACT
No border restrictions exist for people traveling from any state or territory into NSW, Victoria or the ACT. However the requirement to restrict unnecessary travel applies. If you have offered workers a job it is advisable for them to have a copy of the confirmed job offer and accommodation arrangements when they travel.
Social Distancing
The introduction of widespread social distancing rules has resulted in many hostels limiting the number of people that can stay. Some are not accepting new guests and many caravan parks are closed, making it hard to find accommodation in lots of rural towns. So if you are bringing in workers from intra or interstate, make sure that suitable accommodation is available for them when they arrive.
The issue of accommodation for workers should not be underrated. While workers have traditionally managed to find their own accommodation in hostels and caravan parks, this cannot be guaranteed anymore and growers may need to provide more on farm accommodation. Some growers are already doing this by sourcing some of the many unused camper vans that are parked in yards around Australia. Attractive rental rates are on offer from these companies.
Visa condition changes
If you are employing anyone on a Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462) the good news is they are able to extend their visa by 12 months, even if they haven’t completed the 3 or 6 months of specified work required to apply for a second or third Working Holidaymaker visa. Staying in Australia
Looking for agriculture work?
While many other industries have either shut down or are operating at reduced capacity, agriculture is basically operating as normal, with large numbers of people still needed to pick and pack fruit and vegetables. However due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, many people who already have casual horticulture jobs are electing to continue working and thus there are few new job vacancies at the moment.
So if you are contacted by people looking for work, please ask them NOT TO TRAVEL TO ANY REGIONAL AREAS UNLESS THEY HAVE A CONFIRMED JOB TO GO TO. Rural communities do not want people arriving in their towns without a job and there is limited accommodation. People looking for horticulture work can get up-to-date information on all aspects of harvest jobs by contacting National Harvest Labour – 1800 062 332 or harvesttrail.gov.au. If you are looking for harvest workers our call centre consultants can assist with finding suitable people. This is a free service.
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Labour hire licence applications received before 30 June 2020
The Labour Hire Authority recognises that these are unprecedented times. The coronavirus situation is affecting labour hire hosts, providers and workers and has resulted in changes to the labour hire industry.
It is for this reason the Authority will not take enforcement action against a provider for providing labour hire services without a licence, or a host who enters into an arrangement with that provider, where a complete application is submitted to the Authority before midnight 30 June 2020 and there is no evidence of non-compliance. - click here for more detailed information.
Finding providers by industry
To support hosts, providers and workers during the coronavirus pandemic, the Authority has also published details of licensed labour hire providers and applicants including the industries to which they nominated supplying workers. This will particularly help hosts who need labour hire services.
Visit the Labour Hire Authority website for more information...
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The Workplace Safety Legislation Amendment (Workplace Manslaughter and other matters) Bill 2019 passed Parliament on 26 November 2019 and is expected to come into effect on a day to be proclaimed or, at the latest, 1 July 2020. You can visit the Worksafe website to find out more information about:
- When will workplace manslaughter apply?
- Who can be charged with workplace manslaughter?
- Negligent conduct
- Causation
- Penalties
Join VCA: complete the Membership application form
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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