The annual National Plant Biosecurity Status Report has become a must-have reference volume for those seeking to understand Australia’s plant biosecurity system and its performance.

In addition to identifying the greatest exotic pest threats to plant production, each report covers the governance of plant biosecurity in Australia and explains the mechanisms including our surveillance systems, which successfully manage the pest status of plant industries. Reports also describe the hundreds of innovative Australian research projects underway or completed over the period of the report.

Visit the Plant Health Australian website to download this report.

Award rates increased from 1 July 2021: Don’t wait, calculate!

The Fair Work Commission increased the national minimum wage by 2.5%. The increase applies to minimum award wages from 1 July 2021. Now is the time to check you're paying or getting the correct minimum pay rates using the Fair work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool. Most employees are covered by an award. If you’re not sure which award applies to you, use Find my award.
Visit the Fair work website Pay Calculator for more information.

Sign up to follow your providers
Follow my providers helps you make sure your labour hire providers are licensed. Start following providers to get an email and SMS alert if:

• applications are refused or withdrawn
• licences are granted, suspended or cancelled
• conditions are added to a licence
• suspended licences are re-issued.

To ensure compliance, random spot checks are occurring throughout Victoria. Your COVIDSafe Plan must demonstrate:

• your actions to help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 to your workplace
• the type of face mask or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace
• how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some industries or workplaces are subject to additional industry obligations and have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans regularly, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite. Visit the Coronavirus website for more information.

New national biosecurity website

• brings together resources on other sites
• raises awareness for biosecurity risks
•  makes it easier for you to take action.

Horticulture Showcase
Horticulture Showcase offers valuable information to help you understand your workplace rights and responsibilities under the Horticulture Award and the Wine Award.

The Horticulture Showcase includes resources and information to help workers and growers find information about pay and entitlements. Visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website for more information.

The Australian-grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework
Hort Innovation has released the Australian-grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework, a guide to help the horticulture sector share its sustainable, ethical, and safe farming practice stories with stakeholders.

The initiative aims to help the industry share their sustainability credentials and stories, as consumers and investors increasingly ask for evidence of ethical and sustainable practices from their food producers. Visit the Hort Innovation website for more information.
Download the Australian grown Horticulture Sustainability Framework guide here..