The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the adoption of the National Agriculture Worker Code by Victoria and our neighbouring states South Australia and New South Wales.
VFF President David Jochinke said the adoption is a huge win for farming groups and there constituents that have been fighting for freight-type exemptions for agricultural workers.
“Today’s decision to unlock critical agriculture in Victoria and our border zones I’m sure comes as a huge relief for many farmers.”
“I’ve been talking to farmers and industry around the clock lately about the incredibly distressing decisions they’ve been forced make. We’ve had farmers that couldn’t access their properties interstate to do basic jobs such as check water, wean calves and mark lambs.”
“Our sector has experienced enormous interruption and uncertainty in recent times which was completely unsustainable.”
Mr Jochinke said the VFF looks forward to the release of the Code details and its rapid implementation by Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
“Let’s hope this announcement is one of many steps forward towards working as single, cohesive nation. Our farmers farm for Australia and we need to ensure we remove the barriers preventing them from doing their jobs.”
“We need to be freeing up the agricultural workforce as soon as possible to let our farmers get back to doing what they do best, producing food and fibre.”
“Agriculture can help the nation of out this recession and common-sense decisions to keep farmers farming will not only help feed the nation, but will allow us to export our world-class food and fibre internationally.”
Media Contacts:
David Jochinke, VFF President, 0427 834 524
Ryan Moloney, VFF, 0400 874 589