SEDA news and events
As we head into harvest, check you have efficient and safe transport for workers between orchards.
We all remember the tragic death of the Woorinen South worker, who suffered fatal head injuries after falling from a trailer.
This picking season, we're asking all growers to prepare safe work systems, so everyone can return home safely to their families and communities.
Coles launched the $50 million Nurture Fund in April 2015 to help Australian food and liquor producers innovate and grow. Since then, we have offered more than $30 million in financial support to more than 90 small and medium sized businesses. . Australian producers can apply for a grant of up to $500,000 to help them develop new market-leading products, technologies and processes. Applications for Round 11 are now open and will close on Friday 24 February 2023.
Visit the Coles Nurture fund website for more information on this grant including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Following our state’s significant rain events, you may not be thinking about summer and working in the heat. However for a safe and successful harvest season, we all know it’s best to plan ahead.
Working outdoors in the heat can bring unique risks and our bodies can be tested and become fatigued during harvest times.
Fatigue isn’t the same as being sleepy or drowsy. It’s about pushing our bodies beyond their mental and physical limits day after day, with no time to recover.
A new fruit fly outbreak has been declared at Monash, while the Renmark West outbreak area has been extended. The outbreak was declared after Queensland fruit fly larvae was detected in home grown stone fruit.
Read more of this 'Advertiser' article here- https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/new-outbreak-of-queensland-fruit-fly-declared-at-monash-renmark-west-outbreak-area-extended/news-story/b0e91aa1d85e4a5dcb4612e5041db6d6
Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws
The Australian Government has passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Act 2022. This legislation introduces new workplace laws and changes a range of existing rules. Some of these changes started on 7 December 2022, while others start later.
Key changes
The new laws and rules relate to:
- prohibiting pay secrecy and job ads that contravene the Fair Work Act
- flexible work and fixed term contracts
- anti-discrimination and prohibiting workplace sexual harassment
- unpaid parental leave changes
- enterprise agreements and enterprise bargaining
- equal remuneration and establishing expert panels
- changes to the small claims process
- abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and the Registered Organisations Commission (ROC).
Visit the FWO website for more information: Secure Jobs, Better Pay: Changes to Australian workplace laws.
New agriculture and horticulture program – ‘Smarter, Safer Farms’
Changes to hosts’ duties under the OHS Act to labour hire workers
Labour hire hosts need to be aware of the recent changes to their workplace health and safety obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. The changes took effect from 22 March 2022. This means that hosts now have the same health and safety responsibilities to labour hire workers as to their direct employees. It is important to note that providers still have their OHS duties to workers – these are not reduced by these clearer responsibilities for hosts. Visit the LHA website for further info.
LHA in 2023 – compliance focus and engagement opportunities
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) continues to engage with industry and provide tailored opportunities for providers and hosts to learn about developments in labour hire licensing. We recently held an in-person session for horticulture and viticulture providers and hosts in the Yarra Valley. Labour Hire Licensing Commissioner, Steve Dargavel led the two-hour session highlighting legal obligations, relevant updates to legislation, and case studies, as well as addressing a range of questions. LHA will be hosting similar events across key industry areas in 2023, with a range of online and in-person events for providers, hosts, workers, and other stakeholders. Read more of this LHA article here
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