As of Friday 15 October 2021, employers of Authorised Workers are obliged to know their workers’ vaccination status if the worker is unable to work from their usual place of residence, and act accordingly. Below is the information provided to us by AgVic. Not all questions are answered as AgVic is seeking clarification on many issues raised by industry around the Directions. The Frequently Asked Questions links below will be updated regularly.
Employer must collect, record, and hold vaccination information about their workers on or before 15/10/2021.
COVID-19 Vaccines - Your Questions Answered - Prof Ben Cowie on Vimeo
The Acting Chief Health Officer has issued the new COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions, which came into effect at 11:59pm on 7 October 2021. The Directions are also attached.
From 15 October 2021, to work onsite at a work premises, workers must be able to provide evidence to their employer that they have either:
This means that from 23 October 2021, workers need to have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to attend work — unless they have a medical exemption. From 26 November 2021, to attend work, workers will also be required to provide evidence to their employer that they have received a second dose - unless they have a medical exemption.
The new Directions apply to employers of select workers, including contractors, volunteers and students on placement. A full list of workers can be found here.
More information
Please visit the Coronavirus website for more information for industry and workers regarding vaccination requirements. The website includes Frequently Asked Question for workers and Frequently Asked Questions for business and industry. This webpage will be updated as further information becomes available.
On 14th September, the Federal Government announced a streamlining of the application process for the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) the combined program is now to be known as Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) the changes mean that programs easier to access for growers, protect worker welfare, and better meet the harvest labour needs of regional Australia.
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) website (palmscheme.gov.au) has been established for employers to apply to join the PLS and SWP through a single application.
For your information please refer to the Media Release.
Additionally, the department also facilitates the Harvest Trail Services program, which is a specialised job placement service delivered across 16 harvest areas. The program connects workers with employers in these harvest areas. Farms can post jobs on the Harvest Trail Jobs Board. They can also contact their local Harvest Trail Service Provider for assistance with the recruitment process.
Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria.
You cannot leave your home other than for one of the six following reasons:
Victorian Border Crossing Permit directions
The Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 33) come into force at 11:59:00pm on 29 September 2021 and end at 11:59:00pm on 21 October 2021. They replace the Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 32). Click here to view the Victorian Border Crossing Permit directions (No 33.)
Victorian Government Vaccination brochure
Please see the attached information brochure from the Victorian Government with FAQs on Vaccinations which may be useful. Download here...
Victoria’s Roadmap- Delivering the National Plan
The Roadmap has been developed based on expert modelling from the Burnet Institute and is set against COVID-19 thresholds including hospitalisation rates, and the vaccination targets already set out in the National Plan to transition Australia’s National COVID-19 Response. Visit the Coronavirus website for more information on the Victorian Roadmap.
The Yarra Valley Seasonal Employment Hub is ready for employers to upload jobs and job seekers to find a job in the Yarra Valley.
If you are in the horticultural industry and want to advertise any roles, become a member and advertise for free
The website is based in the Yarra Valley and will only advertise positions available locally. Both growers and job seekers have the support of the Seasonal Workforce Coordinator to assist you throughout the season.
You can contact Kylie on 0491 141 008 or
Visit the Yarra Valley Seasonal Employment Hub website for more information.
Changes have been introduced to slow the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people leaving their homes and moving around Victoria. You cannot leave your home other than for one of the six following reasons:
Victorian Border Crossing Permit directions
The Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 32) come into force at 11:59:00pm on 23 September 2021 and end at 11:59:00pm on 21 October 2021. They replace the Victorian Border Crossing Permit Directions (No. 31). Click here to view the Victorian Border Crossing Permit directions (No 32.)
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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