The Victorian Government is offering a free support service for small to medium businesses to ensure your COVIDSafe Plan is up to date and reflects current COVIDSafe Settings. The Information forum will provide updates on the latest COVIDSafe Plan information and mandatory requirements, as well as tips on how to implement the Plan in your business.
Sessions are scheduled for approx. 1 hour. A link to the session will be emailed on the day of the forum. Sessions are not recorded. Slides will be circulated after the forum.
For more information or to register for this event, please click here..
The Fair Work Commission has made a decision to include a minimum hourly wage guarantee and a requirement to record hours worked by pieceworkers into the Horticulture Award.
These new provisions take effect from the first pay period that starts on or after 28 April 2022.
We’ve published a summary of the changes to help you understand the decision. We are also currently reviewing our information and tools ahead of the changes coming into effect.
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.
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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