Finding & Keeping Workers – The New Challenge

It is now about twelve months since the COVID-19 pandemic started to have a significant impact in Australia, with the first national movement restrictions commencing on 18 March, 2020, followed by the closure of the international border two days later. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of overseas workers available for […]

Using a Labour Hire Provider (Contractor) – Important Tips

Using a ‘labour hire provider’ (or ‘contractor’) can be an easier way to meet labour demand. The contractor sources workers, provides payroll and other legal requirements, and may even organise transport and accommodation. However, growers need to be aware of some of the potential pitfalls associated with using a contractor. ‘Accessorial Liability’ Both the Fair […]

Crop Profile: Pomegranates – The fruit of the dead!

Referred to in Greek mythology as the fruit of the dead, pomegranates are believed to have arisen from the blood of Adonis.  Despite not being on the shopping lists of many Australian consumers, a small industry exists in our country. A brief introduction to pomegranates Pomegranates originate from western Asia in the area from Iran […]

AWU Challenge Horticulture Award piece rates

Just prior to Christmas 2020 the Australian Workers Union (AWU) lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to vary the Horticulture Award 2020. The application has two components: It seeks to install a ‘floor’ on piecework arrangements, so that the worker must earn at least the minimum hourly rate (presently $24.80 for casuals; […]

Worker Profile – Sebastian Herrara

From Executive Producer, Argentina To Travelling Harvest Worker, Australia Sebastian Herrara from Argentina knows all about hard work.  Sebastian has studied journalism and social communication and before leaving Argentina to come to Australia he was executive producer for ten years for the morning newscast of one of the most watched television stations in Argentina, Telefe […]

Regional Profile – Stanthorpe & Granite Belt

The cool, high country of the Stanthorpe region is located on Queensland’s southern border and the northernmost part of the New England Tablelands. The region is known as the Granite Belt due to the spectacular granite rocks found in the area. At 811m above sea level, the Granite Belt delivers four seasons a year where […]

Renmark Harvest Trail Service Office – Profile

The South East South Australia Region Harvest Office is located in Renmark in the main hub of the SA Riverland.  Renmark is located 254 km northeast of Adelaide, on the banks of the River Murray. The Sturt Highway between Adelaide and Sydney runs through the town. Apart from the Riverland, the Harvest Office also services the dryland farming areas to the south in areas such […]

Relocation Assistance

Extra dollars while picking fruit It is now about twelve months since the COVID-19 pandemic started to have a significant impact in Australia. The first national movement restrictions commencing on Wednesday 18th March, followed by the closure of the international border two days later. This has resulted in a significant shortage of overseas workers. Consequently […]

Student Visas – Relaxed rules on working hours

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many changes, including visa conditions for international students. International students in Australia A large number of international students remain in Australia despite the pandemic and many work in the Australian community to support themselves while they study. Usually student visas have a condition attached that limits the number of […]

Personal Safety in the Workplace

All workers, whether out on an orchard, farm or block and inside in a coolstore or packing shed, are ultimately responsible for protecting their own health and safety at work. To minimise risks to personal health and safety, here are some things to consider and take on board: Make sure your employer has provided you […]