Improving Labour Hire for Farmers
The VFF believes farm businesses should have reliable access to farm labour. Unfortunately, however, skill shortages are widespread across all agricultural industries and the demand for skilled workers is likely to grow into the future. The remoteness of many farms makes some agricultural work less attractive.
That is why we are advocating for an expansion of the 456 Visa across a range of agricultural related activities that allow a seasonal foreign workforce to fulfil on-farm and associated roles that remain vacant.
We also believe in ensuring all workers receive the pay and conditions they are entitled to under the law. The VFF condemns the employment of illegal workers either directly on-farm or through labour hire agencies. We are actively working with the State Government to ensure there is a national approach to improving the labour hire landscape to deliver a nationally enforceable code of practice.
Further Information
For further information, VFF members can contact the VFF Workplace Relations team by email [email protected].