Tag Archives: @australia

Commodity in Focus: Citrus

Have you ever wandered through a citrus orchard and felt that zesty air of potential? That’s the Australian citrus industry for you: a vibrant collection of oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, each telling a story of innovation, sustainability, and a thirst for global recognition. Reflecting on insights gained at the Australian Citrus Conference, let’s peel […]

Using the Fair Work Ombudsman Service & Resources

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is responsible for ensuring fair work practices across Australia. With a keen eye on compliance, the FWO is here to help you navigate the complexities of employment laws, making sure you’re looking after not only your crops but also your workers. For those in the horticulture sector, staying on top […]

Citrus Harvest Trail – A Zesty Adventure across Australia

Embark on a vibrant journey through Australia’s citrus belt, where the air is fragrant with the zest of oranges, lemons, and mandarins. From the sun-kissed orchards of Western Australia to the lush groves of Queensland, down through the heart of New South Wales, across the bountiful Riverland of South Australia, and into the historic citrus […]

Know Your Rights and Resources with the Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is a government appointee dedicated to safeguarding the rights of workers across Australia, ensuring fair treatment in the workplace. For those contributing to the horticulture sector, the FWO is a pivotal resource, offering guidance, support, and protection to ensure your work experience in Australia is positive and lawful. Know Your […]

Work clothes and equipment – what do I need?

So, you’ve got a camper van, a tent, and a copy of the Harvest Guide – you’re ready to do seasonal farm work picking fruit or vegetables. But do you need special equipment or clothing, and do you have to supply it yourself or will it be provided for you? Farm work varies considerably, depending […]

Goodbye from the Harvest Trail Information Service

The Federal Government has advised that as of Friday, 28 June 2024, Harvest Trail Services (HTS) and the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) funding will cease and the services will come to an end. MADEC Australia has provided the Harvest Trail Information Service since 1 July 2003. Thank you to the many jobseekers over the […]

Paying piece-rates and the minimum floor

The two-year anniversary for new piece-rate minimum wage guarantee has come and gone, and we have seen and heard a few different scenarios and impacts the changes have had on growers and workers. Sure, the workforce and labour shortages are still mentioned in broader industry news, but the reality is that Working Holiday Makers and […]

Farmers and Mental Health

This is the first in a series of occasional articles in relation to the mental health of Australia’s farmers. A recent industry survey  revealed record-low morale among a subset of Australian horticulturalists. The survey cited increasing costs of production, tightening margins and a shortage of skilled labour as major factors in combination forcing growers to […]

Do you need help finding harvest or horticulture workers?

Harvest Areas 2020-23 Consider using Harvest Trail Services to assist you. No cost, no obligation, no risk. Contact the Harvest Trail Information Service or your nearest Harvest Trail Services Office Harvest Trail Information Service Contact List National Harvest Trail Information Service 1800 062 332 htis@madec.edu.au Contact Harvest Trail Services List Western Australia South West Rural […]

Minimum Wage Increase

The Fair Work Commission has increased the National Minimum Wage to $882.80 per week ($23.23 per hour) from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2023. This means if your weekly pay period starts on a Monday, the new rates applied from Monday, 3 July 2023. The National Minimum Wage applies […]