We are searching for the best farmers from across Australia, those leading the way, who constantly strive to improve their business and are finding success in their efforts.

So, if you know someone who deserves to be recognised as an outstanding farmer, let us know by nominating them. Visit the Weekly Times website to nominate.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is looking for enthusiastic farmers across Australia to participate as employers and hosts for young Australians participating in the AgCAREERSTART program. AgCAREERSTART is a future focused industry program that engages with the next
generation of agricultural workers. It is a great opportunity for the industry to attract a new cohort of young Australians to experience farm life and all it has to offer as a career pathway. Over 10 – 12 months, you will provide an on-farm job for a school leaver, or young Australian under 25. In your role as host, you will encourage your employee to become immersed in the local community and gain an appreciation of the opportunities within the agriculture sector. Download the information brochure here.
 
AgCareer Start is a 10-12 month Gap Year program to kick start young Australians' careers in Agriculture.
This unique gap-year program provides you with a paid job, training and development, not to mention the opportunity to build your networks within the agriculture industry. Download the information brochure here. Applications for 2023 open on July 12 and close October 18, 2022.

Covid 19 Updates

Sensible changes to pandemic orders and public health recommendations and requests came into place at 11:59pm 12 July 2022. These include;

• The period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case (and therefore exempt from testing and isolation/quarantine requirements) has been revised to four weeks, down from 12 weeks. 
• Positive cases are still required to isolate for seven days from the day they took their test but an additional reason to leave home has been added – to provide transport for a household member to obtain essential food, only if transport is essential or if other arrangements cannot be made. The infected person will need to remain in the car and wear a face covering at all times.
• Mask wearing in indoor and crowded settings is strongly recommended to protect yourself and the most vulnerable Victorians through winter – but there are no changes to current face mask requirements with these new pandemic orders.

Visit the Coronavirus.vic.gov.au website for further information on these and other updates.

Minimum wages increase from 1 July 2022

From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022, minimum wages increased under the National Minimum Wage and under most awards.

Fair Work Ombudsman have updated their pay tools, information and resources with the new rates for the first set of awards affected.
You can:

• use the Pay and Conditions Tool to calculate your new pay rate (including allowances)
• go to the Pay guides page to access the updated pay guide for your award
• use the Find my award tool to check what award you're covered by.

Superannuation changes from 1 July 2022

There are changes to superannuation (super) taking effect from 1 July 2022. This includes the:

• removal of the $450 super guarantee threshold – go to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website to learn more about this change: Removing the $450 per month threshold for super guarantee eligibility 
• increase in the super guarantee rate from 10% to 10.5% – visit the ATO website to learn more about this increase: Get ready for super changes from 1 July 

If you want to understand your super obligations or entitlements, go to ATO – Super 

Statement on the Pandemic Declaration- The Hon Daniel Andrews

Pandemic Declaration extended for 3 months from 11:59pm Tuesday 12th July 2022. Read the full Statement here.

Following the Annual Wage Review 2022, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has made 2 announcements:

• the National Minimum Wage will increase by 5.2%, which amounts to $40 a week from 1 July 2022
• award minimum wages will increase by 4.6%, which is subject to a minimum increase for award classifications of $40 per week and based on a 38-hour week for a full-time employee.

To read more detailed information, go to Get set for a minimum wage increase.The new National Minimum Wage will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022. This means if you have a weekly pay period that starts on Mondays, the new rates will apply from Monday 4 July 2022.Most awards will increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2022. (For some awards in the aviation, hospitality and tourism industries, the increase will happen from 1 October 2022)The FWC will now issue draft determinations and orders about how their decision affects awards. The FWC will then update the pay rates for each award.

Visit the Fair Work website for more information.