Current News

Under the Horticulture Award, an employer and employee can enter into an agreement for the employee to be paid a piecework rate. A piecework rate is:

• a rate of pay paid on the basis of how much an employee has individually picked, packed or pruned
• paid to an employee instead of an hourly pay rate
• a method of payment and not a type of employment.

Pieceworkers are still full-time, part-time or casual employees.

Visit the Horticulture Showcase website for more information

Changes to casual employment – industrial relations reforms

On Friday 26 March 2021, the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) was amended to change workplace rights and obligations for casual employees. The changes were made by the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 (Amendment Act). These changes came into effect on Saturday 27 March 2021.

What’s changed-

The Amendment Act introduces a:

• Casual Employment Information Statement
• definition of casual employment
• pathway for casual employees to move to full-time or part-time (permanent) employment.

Visit the Fair Work website for more information on these changes

Please find attached copy of the updated Industry Restart Guidelines- Seasonal Horticulture.

This update covers changes to Record keeping and Facemask requirements.

Victoria has further relaxed its COVIDSafe settings

• Main event - online with international speakers
  • Mandatory export workshop info (online) Wed 15 June (4 hours approx).  $165
  • Production and Management: Thurs 16 June and Thurs 24 June (4 hours each). Recorded sessions will be made available on web for anyone to view at a later date. Free.
  • Export 101: July 21.  For new export growers – attend as well as the mandatory session. Free.

An Agenda is being prepared and more information will be provided.

VCA Season in Review- 1:30pm, 29th April 2021

Growers are invited to attend the “VCA’s Season in Review” which will follow directly after the CGA workshop at 1.30pm.  The Season in Review will consist of a panel of key growers from different regions to review and discuss the past season and the many challenges faced and how to change and adapt going forward. See below flyer for more details.