Current News
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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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AWiA has been rolling out the 2022 Connect to Cultivate national event series with great success so far in Canberra in the ACT, Toowomba in QLD and Dubbo in NSW. The next event is now locked in to continue the connections with members and new friends in VIC - scheduled for Euroa on Friday 9 December at the Euroa Golf Club from 3pm to 8pm.
This event will bring together incredible leaders and guests for an afternoon tea and dinner to help connect the Euroa community and surrounding regions after a very tough year.
This special event in Euroa will include the below speakers:
- Kate Auty - Euroa barrister, historian, farmer, and community activist.
- Karen Maroney - Deputy Chair of AgBiz Assist (Rural Financial Counselling Service)
- Cr Laura Binks - Mayor Strathbogie Shire and 2021 MBE Fellow
- Rien Silverstein - Goulburn Valley orchardist and winner of the 2022 Women in Horticulture Award and the 2022 APAL (Apple and Pear Australia) Women in Horticulture Award
- Jade Killoran - independent cover crop advisor and researcher, working in Victorian grazing systems and founder, of ‘Healthy Farming Systems’
Members - your tickets are discounted to $10 and friends - your tickets are $30.
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Slow down and stay safe this holiday season
The end-of-year holiday season is fast approaching and many of us are keen to get 2022 over and done with. But we mustn't get carried away - when workers are rushed to finish jobs before the holidays, the chances of mistakes are higher and can lead to serious, or even tragic incidents.
Slow down and stay safe, so we can all put 2022 safely behind us. Visit the Worksafe website to access resources to assist over the holiday season.
Safe recovery of bogged farm machinery
With widespread flooding and regular rain events still a regular part of Victoria’s weeks, soft ground can lead to bogged farm machinery. WorkSafe has produced the following information to help keep farm workers safe. Recovery of bogged farm machinery | WorkSafe Victoria
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and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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