SEDA news and events
General scams awareness
Protect yourself from scammers by being scam aware
Between January and August 2022, Australian farmers and agricultural businesses lost over $1.2 million to scammers. In total, Australians have lost over $300 million to scammers so far this year. It can be difficult to recover any losses suffered from a scam and so it is important to stop them before they happen. The ACCC operates Scamwatch, which aims to help Australian consumers and small businesses recognise scams and avoid them by providing information about how to report scams and where to get help if they’ve been scammed.
Tractor & Machinery scams
Over $1.03M has been lost to tractor and machinery scams so far this year. Scammers can create fake websites and use online platforms to ‘sell’ machinery. They often say they’ll hold payment during a free-trial period and promise full refunds if you are not satisfied.
Do extra checks before buying online. Report scams to Scamwatch.
Fake Invoice scams targeting Farmers
Australian farmers have lost over $320,000 to fake invoice scams so far this year. Scammers often impersonate businesses and request payment of “invoices”. These may look exactly like an invoice you are expecting. Report scams to Scamwatch.
Don't let scammers harvest your personal data
Scammers target more than just money – they have eyes on your personal information too. Protect yourself from identity theft:
- Use strong, unique passwords
- Be careful how much personal information you share and who you give it to
- Don’t send money or give copies of personal documents to anyone you don’t know or trust
- Check your bank transactions
If you think your identity has been stolen, contact IDCARE
You can read more about these scams and other common scams on the ACCC’s Scamwatch page. Scamwatch also provides guidance on protecting yourself from scams and where to get help.
The Australian summerfruit industry is looking forward to a strong export season to Vietnam, with market access reopening to the country for the first time since 2015.
Last month, a group of growers, exports and industry body representatives went on a "reverse trade mission" to both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, organised by Summerfruit Australia Limited (SAL) and Summerfruit Export Development Alliance (SEDA).
Duty on labour hire providers and host employers to consult, cooperate and coordinate
From 22 March 2022, changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) extend the definitions of 'employer' and 'employee'. The changes ensure labour hire workers are considered employees of their host employer for the purposes of the OHS Act. From 22 March 2022, changes to the OHS Act also include a duty for labour hire providers and host employers to consult, cooperate and coordinate activities with each other where they share OHS Act duties to the same worker, so far as reasonably practicable.
Induction Checklist: Who is responsible for training labour hire workers?
An induction is more than just explaining the company’s purpose and a guided tour of the building. Inductions and training help new employees understand how to best perform in their role, train them to use the company’s systems, and introduce them to their key colleagues.
Most importantly, inductions are a critical measure to ensure workers know how to carry out their role safely. Read more of this article here...
Make a commitment to workplace health and safety in October
Health and safety should be acknowledged every day of the year. However, National Health and Safety Month (recognised in October) gives employers a chance to commit to building better workplaces for their employees.
This year’s overarching theme is ‘Know safety, work safely’. This is especially relevant in industries that routinely use labour hire, where the nature of work can be more high risk. Read more of this article here...
Mandatory COVID-19 isolation periods scrapped from October 14, emergency response 'finished' says national cabinet
Rules forcing people to isolate for five days if they test positive to COVID-19 will end from October 14 for everyone, with support for some workers to be able to continue isolation if needed. ABC News
The Shine Awards is a campaign by The Weekly Times, supported by Harvey Norman, celebrating the passion, dedication, spirit, belief, grace and courage of women across rural and regional Australia. Nominate a rural woman who makes a real difference in her community or industry, so we can share her story.
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