The Australian and South Australian governments have decided not to proceed with Round 2 of the Water for Fodder program due to improved seasonal conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin.

Fodder and water markets have softened since the start of the year, with temporary water prices decreasing by an average of 70 per cent across the southern Murray-Darling Basin and hay prices decreasing by 40 per cent in the Goulburn and Murray valleys. This has reduced the need for Round 2 as an emergency drought response.

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Updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 Restrictions
The Authority has written to all licensed labour hire providers and applicants on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) about their updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 restrictions. Providers were also advised of updated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and specific guidance from DHHS, Business Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria. The Authority appreciates that the COVID-19 emergency creates significant challenges for the labour hire industry. The new directions of the Chief Health Officer will have a significant impact on labour hire providers and host businesses and are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sector guidance and FAQs for businesses under restrictions
Business Victoria has published operational sector guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for businesses and industries under Stage 4 and Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the Business Victoria website for information on Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector guidance..

As you may be aware, on 26 August 2020 the Treasurer announced that the ACCC would commence a three-month inquiry into bargaining power in supply chains for perishable agricultural products in Australia.  More details about the scope of the inquiry are available on the ACCC’s website.
 
The ACCC would like to invite you to make a submission to the inquiry, as set out in the attached letter from ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh. Due to the short duration of the inquiry, they are seeking submissions by 18 September 2020.

Under the roadmap, from 11:59pm on Sunday 13 September it is  mandatory for all businesses state-wide operating onsite to have a COVID Safe Plan. This is a change from the current requirements for many businesses in regional Victoria who are currently advised to have a COVID Safe Plan. Businesses with fewer than five employees are exempt from this requirement.

Please see below template and guidance material for the COVID Safe Plan. Also attached are the “how we work” roadmaps for regional Victoria and metro Melbourne.
 
The Business Victoria website and hotline provide information on restrictions and support to help your workplace plan and respond to coronavirus (COVID-19). Call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.

Documents are available for download below:

• How we work- Regional Victoria 
• How we work- Metro Melbourne
• COVID Safe Plan template 
• COVID Safe Plan Guidance 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Tripodi says stone fruit growers might have to dump produce if the domestic market is saturated

Stone fruit growers across Australia are faced with tough decisions, including potentially having to pull out some of their trees, as the coronavirus pandemic bumps up air freight costs and wreaks havoc on export markets.

Michael Trautwein grows the full range of stone fruit at his orchards in South Australia's Riverland but fears limited access to air freight and a doubling of costs could put an "excessive financial burden" on growers.

Mr Trautwein said growers were already severely impacted at the end of the 2019/2020 season when the pandemic first hit, forcing market closures and limiting air services.  Read more of this ABC article........

Updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 Restrictions
The Authority has written to all licensed labour hire providers and applicants on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (DJPR) about their updated obligations under Stage 3 and 4 restrictions. Providers were also advised of updated coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and specific guidance from DHHS, Business Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria. The Authority appreciates that the COVID-19 emergency creates significant challenges for the labour hire industry. The new directions of the Chief Health Officer will have a significant impact on labour hire providers and host businesses and are essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Sector guidance and FAQs for businesses under restrictions
Business Victoria has published operational sector guidance and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for businesses and industries under Stage 4 and Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions. Visit the Business Victoria website for information on Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector guidance..