Workforce Issues and Banana Job Vacancies
LATEST NEWS, RESOURCES AND INFORMATION FOR BANANA GROWERS
Latest News
PALM SCHEME
26 June, 2023 (via PALM Secretariat): The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme Approved Employer Deed and Guidelines have been released.
They are the final step in consolidating the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) into the single PALM scheme.
A Factsheet and Frequently Asked Questions will assist answer questions on the PALM scheme Deed and Guidelines.
To support the implementation of the single PALM scheme Deed and Guidelines, DEWR issued Transition Advice No 1 on 2 June and Transition Advice No 2 on 26 June to approved employers with SWP and/or PLS deeds.
Webinars will also be organised to clarify PALM scheme Deed and Guidelines requirements and provide an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions.
Further information on the key setting changes and implementation is available on the PALM scheme website (www.palmscheme.gov.au) and Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) website (www.dewr.gov.au/pacific-australia-labour-mobility-scheme/consultations/pacific-australia-labour-mobility-palm-scheme-approved-employer-deed-and-guidelines).
June 7, 2023: The Australian Banana Growers’ Council has joined with other Hort peak industry bodies to collectively lobby the Federal Government against proposed changes to the PALM scheme.
The ABGC and other PIBs have written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other Federal MPs requesting changes to minimum hour requirements and inclusion of averaging periods. ABGC also asked growers to lend their voice by writing to the PM and other relevant MPs.
Info on piecework rule changes
- Piecework timesheet template to help employers record their pieceworkers’ hours of work, outputs and piece rates.
- Piecework reconciliation template to help employers check that the amount they’re paying their pieceworkers meets the minimum hourly wage guarantee.
- Piecework rules are changing information sheet to help employers explain the changes to their employees.
- Piecework arrangements employer checklist
- Piecework record template
Labour hire concerns
Growers who have any concerns regarding pay rates, or other contractual practices used by labour hire companies, have many resources available to be proactive in protecting yourself and your staff.
Advertising for seasonal workers?
Here are some tips from the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
If you’re advertising for seasonal workers, don’t forget to include details of the incentives that are now available.
We’ve noticed some employers are advertising on social media and on urban job boards, so we want to make sure your prospective workers have all the latest information, particularly if they’re new to the agricultural industry and keen to give it a go.
Some suggested wording for your job ads:
- New to farm work and want to know what to expect before you apply? Check out the FarmReady Hub.
- You may also be able to access assistance from the Queensland and Australian governments if you relocate to take up this position. Check out #pickqld for more information.