Comments attributable to NFF Interim Chief Executive, Su McCluskey
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) welcomes the Federal Government's decision to continue the averaging of the 30-hour safety net over four weeks for workers on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
The previous approach of the Federal Government, which would have required employers to guarantee 30 hours of work each and every week from April next year, risked creating significant challenges for farmers.
Many employers, particularly smaller operations, would have been unable to bear the cost of wages in weeks where work could not be performed due to factors, such as the weather, beyond their control.
While this is decision is a positive step, the preferred model farmers are seeking remains averaging 30 hours per week over the duration of a work placement.
Extending averaging flexibility over the placement would ensure the scheme remains a viable, accessible, and sustainable workforce option for Australian farmers, and as a result, would mean the opportunity to work in Australia, and earn income that could change the trajectory of entire families, is open to more people from the Pacific Islands and Timor Leste.
