VFF Policy Council passes four new Policy Statements
At its December meeting, the VFF Policy Council has adopted policies on:
Category Workplace Relations
VFF urges cross-bench Senators to scrutinise new industrial relations laws
The VFF has warned cross-bench Senators that changes to allow multi-enterprise bargaining arrangements could have unforeseen impacts on the agriculture industry. VFF President Emma Germano has written to crossbench Senators who will decide the outcome of the Fair Work Legislation…
Employers reminded to prepare for public holiday
VFF members are reminded that the Prime Minister has declared Thursday 22 September as a National Day of Mourning for Queen Elizabeth II and a public holiday. This in addition to the existing Grand Final Eve public holiday on Friday…
Minimum Wage Increase Update
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) recently announced its decision to increase the National Minimum Wage by 5.2%, and a 4.6% increase to minimum award wages with threshold rules applying. Modern Award rates will increase by the greater of either a…
Vaccine requirement information
Please note, this information is current as of Friday 22 October 2021. On 1 October 2021, the Victorian Government announced its intention to make COVID-19 vaccination a compulsory requirements for authorised workers in Victoria who can’t work from home. Authorised…
Vaccination requirements for freight workers
There have been a number of recent announcements regarding vaccination requirements for interstate travel that may impact farmers moving freight across state borders: Entry into Victoria with Specified Worker (Multiple Entry) Permit From 23 September, freight workers entering Victoria with…
Authorised Worker Permits
From 11:59pm Monday 23 August workforce permits will be required for authorised workers when they leave home for work in response to the latest COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria. Farmers and farm workers will require an authorised worker permit to travel…
Understanding Workplace Manslaughter Laws
In October 2020 the VFF Farm Safety Team delivered a briefing to VFF members on new workplace manslaughter laws that came into effect in Victoria from 1 July 2020. A recording of the briefing can be view by clicking this…
Strong induction focus needed for unskilled workers
The absence of backpackers and seasonal workers due to COVID has not only led to labour shortages, but also greater health and safety risks for farm workers. Many of these workers are entering farming environments for the first time and…
Have you communicated your sexual harassment policy?
Sexual harassment and discrimination have featured heavily as the subject of a number of news headlines over the last few weeks. Farmers are encouraged to disseminate their sexual harassment policies to make clear to their employees that they take these…
COVID 19 – Temporary Changes to Incident Notification
WorkSafe Victoria have amended the Incident Notification reporting requirements due to COVID 19. The changes commenced on Tuesday 28 July 2020 and are for a 12 month period. The changes require duty holders to notify WorkSafe immediately after becoming aware that: an employee,…
Annual Wage Increase for 2020
On Friday the 19th of June 2020, the Fair Work Commission issued its decision for the Annual Wage Review 2019-20. The increase decided upon was 1.75%. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Commission altered and extended its timetable, to allow it…