STATE farm group AgForce is urging all Queensland primary producers to know their rights and obligations in the lead up to new workplace laws, which will be rolled out from 1 January 2010.
AgForce vice president Charles Burke said the new federal award will cover all broadacre industries – including grain enterprises for the first time – as well as farm hands and shearers.
“Traditionally, broadacre agriculture fell under state awards, including the Station Hands’ Award and the Shearing Industry Award, but last month the Queensland government referred it’s powers’ to the Commonwealth so these vocations now fall under federal powers,” Mr Burke explained.
“The new Pastoral Award provides more flexibility, covers areas like penalty rates and leave loading and reduces the basic working week from 40 hours to 38 hours.”
Mr Burke said there were three main changes which agricultural employers and employees need to be aware of:
- All incorporated businesses will commence using the new Pastoral Award on 1 January, 2010 (including shearing).
- For all unincorporated businesses (such as sole traders and partnerships) the federal Pastoral Award will not take effect until 1 January, 2011. Until then these businesses will adhere to the transitional arrangements which is the current state Award.
- To ensure shearers are not disadvantaged by reduced hours, the pay rate for shearing has increased from $235.89 to $242.11 per hundred sheep shorn, as of 1 July 2010.
“AgForce in conjunction with the National Farmers’ Federation and the Australian Workers Union has been representing our members in the development of a federal award throughout the long period of negotiation,” Mr Burke said.
“An important feature is the award’s flexibility clause which allows both employers and employees to vary certain provisions to meet individual needs pertaining to working hour arrangements, over-time, penalty rates, allowances and leave loading.
“This flexibility recognises the seasonal vagaries of agriculture and the high/low peak nature of farming.”
Mr Burke said the move to a federal industrial relations arrangement for agriculture included the appointment of a Fair Work Ombudsman who will make determinations on disputes.
AgForce members can access the current state awards (which remain for unincorporated businesses until 1 January 2011) on the AgForce website: www.agforceqld.org.au
* Agricultural employers and employees are urged to contact Fair Work Australia information line on 13 13 94.
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