"The following statement was released by Hon Tim Whetstone MP Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development in response to the fruit fly outbreak in Loxton. The Marshall Liberal Government has stepped up its fight against fruit fly with a zero tolerance approach to come into effect at the Yamba Quarantine Station from Friday January 4. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the new arrangements at Yamba follows the implementation of a zero tolerance approach at all random roadblocks last month. “As part of an emergency response to the fruit fly outbreak in Loxton, as of today there is no longer an option to declare produce at the Yamba Quarantine Station without penalty,” said Minister Whetstone. “The zero tolerance policy is aimed at changing the attitude of motorists who flout the law and bring produce into South Australia. This type of behavior is putting Riverland industries and communities at risk of economic devastation from fruit fly. “Electronic signs have been put in place, as well as roadside disposal bins to ensure the message is clear to motorists travelling into the Riverland to ‘Eat it or Bin it’ before approaching the Yamba Quarantine Station. “There are ample warnings leading into Yamba about disposing of fresh produce the correct way and if motorists ignore those warnings they will be caught and penalised. Do not throw fruit out the window or littering offences will apply. “Additional staff have been appointed at the Yamba Quarantine Station, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to support policing of the new zero tolerance measures. “The Marshall Liberal Government is also taking a zero tolerance approach to random roadblocks held across the state. In fact, we have significantly increased the number of random roadblocks this financial year. “The suspension zone for the Queensland fruit fly outbreak in Loxton will be lifted on 25 March, 2019, without any further detections. To assist growers as part of the response to the Loxton outbreak, a team of dedicated PIRSA market access personnel have been deployed to provide advice in regards to the movement of produce and quarantine restrictions. “There is a clear and simple message for people travelling into South Australia, do not bring in restricted fresh produce otherwise you will face fines and penalties of up to $100,000. “From roadblocks to quarantine bins, we will use every tool at our disposal to defend our vital horticulture industry against fruit fly and to protect our fruit fly free status. "Keeping South Australia free of fruit fly is everyone’s responsibility.” Did you know regulations have changed under Heavy Vehicle National Law? Not sure if your primary production business is compliant?
South Australian grape growers are invited to attend one of the upcoming interactive and practical workshops organised by Grain Producers SA. WGCSA members can attend free of charge as a part of our membership with Primary Producers SA. The workshops will assist primary producers in understanding their obligations and risks in the CoR chain, and help them implement plans and checklists to reduce the risk to their businesses. There will be 20 workshops held across South Australia. The first dates and locations are:
Following attendance, producers will receive support and advice from facilitators Natwide, valued at $1500. For more information and to register visit the Grain Producers SA website. *This program has been made possible by support from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative Program. On 13th November 2018 Australian Vignerons (AV) and Winemakers' Federation of Australia (WFA) convened their annual general meetings. At both meetings, members unanimously voted to amalgamate and form Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated (AGWI) - a united national body that will see wine grape growers and winemakers collaborate together at the national level.
Wine Grape Council of SA (WGCSA) Chair Heather Webster commented that she was thrilled that both national bodies delivered on the simplification that members had been asking for and working towards for several years. Heather said, 'Having a united national industry body will bring increased benefits to our SA members through strong unified advocacy. Relationships will be further strengthened with winemakers and it is great to know that the interests of our vignerons, irrespective of size, are represented on national issues affecting the grape and wine sector through one strong voice to government.' Business Manager Lisa Bennier commented that it was a significant move forward for the whole grape and wine industry and congratulated all involved in achieving such a monumental outcome. 'Due to SA wine grape growers holding the majority membership of Australian Vignerons, both Heather and I have been involved in many of the discussions leading to this outcome. We could not be more pleased with the aligned focus and respect shown by all involved.' Lisa continues, 'In particular we acknowledge the collaboration and leadership by the Chairs of both organisations, Sandy Clark and Jo Andrews, along with CEO's Tony Battaglene and Anna Hooper. To achieve what they have is no easy task and shows how working collaboratively can produce significant outcomes for grape growers and winemakers alike.' Lisa encouraged all wine grape growers to become members of the new entity. She said 'There is undisputable strength in numbers. If growers wish to receive the highest level of national representation and benefits, become a member. Together we can unite for the future success and sustainability of our Australian Grape and Wine Industry.' For South Australia's independent wine grape growers this is a very simple process. If you pay the current $1/tonne state contribution you're already a member of WGCSA and therefore will be a member of the new national body, Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated. This is thanks to part of your voluntary contribution already being directed to the national body on your behalf. The new amalgamated entity will be represented by 4 committees - Large Winemakers, Medium Winemakers, Small Winemakers and Vignerons. Each committee will provide 4 Directors to the new board for an initial term of one year. WGCSA, on behalf of the new member committee, will appoint the four inaugural Vigneron Directors to the board. These positions are significant to the success of the new entity and require individuals who are capable of representing the whole viticulture industry at a national level. WGCSA Councillors are currently engaged in determining the selection process, we will provide further details once confirmed. WGCSA is excited by this announcement and will continue to play an active, positive and supportive role in the future success of Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated. This SAWIA Notice outlines what you need to do about any existing casual employees you hire in the vineyard & what you need to do in future when hiring casual employees.
In a controversial decision the Full Federal Court has held that a casual employee employed by a labour hire company in the mining industry in fact is not a casual employee, but a permanent employee and therefore entitled to paid annual leave. (Workpac Pty Ltd v Skene [2018]) This decision is relevant to all employers engaging casual employees, regardless of industry and regardless of whether the relevant Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement provides for casual conversion. The decision means that employers cannot simply rely on the use of the term “casual employee” in their relevant contract (verbal or written), Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement, but must ensure that a person engaged as a casual works in a way that meets the characteristics of a casual employee at all times. FACTS OF THE CASE The employee was engaged as a casual fly in, fly out worker by a labour hire firm in the mining industry for two periods totalling two years. The following key facts were established:
MEANING OF CASUAL EMPLOYMENT The Court held that the definition of “casual employment” included in a Modern Award or Enterprise Agreement is not the appropriate mechanism to determine whether an employee, in reality, is casual. Instead, whether an employee is casual is based on an overall assessment of the key characteristics of casual employment. Key characteristics of casual employment, includes:
This means that an employee engaged and paid as a casual employee under the Wine Industry Award 2010, but where the characteristics point to permanent employment, will be held to be a permanent employee and not a casual employee. Find out what you should be doing about protecting your business when it comes to your existing casual employees and any casual employees that you will be taking on for vintage 2019. Give Henrik or Sarah a call or attend one of SAWIA's upcoming sessions in Barossa on 5 December 2018 and McLaren Vale on 6 December. The session is great for anyone who has responsibility for employing or managing casuals (including rostering). Find out more here. FURTHER INFORTMATION AND ADVICE For further information and advice, please contact either of the following: - Henrik Wallgren: 8222 9270 or henrik@winesa.asn.au - Sarah Hills on 8222 9212 or sarah@winesa.asn.au The 2018 Wine Grape Council of South Australia Annual General Meeting was held on October 18. It was great to have many members in attendance to hear Chair Heather Webster’s report on the past 12 months.
Heather farewelled and thanked our longstanding Clare Councillor, Anna Baum. Anna has been a valuable and committed council member for four years and we all wish her well in her future endeavours. David Travers will join WGCSA as the new Clare Councillor. David brings plenty of broad business experience and knowledge to the council and we’re thrilled to have him join us. Councillors ratified as per the AGM are: Adelaide Hills – Hamish Laurie Barossa – Adrian Hoffmann Clare – David Travers Langhorne Creek – Heather Webster Limestone Coast – John Summers McLaren Vale – Andrew Press Riverland – Sheridan Alm Earlier this month we held our inaugural Grower focus event at the beautiful Strathalbyn Racecourse. The day brought together growers from across the state to share their thoughts on the priorities of WGCSA for the coming 12 months.
Each of the WGCSA regional councillors were tasked with nominating impressive, influential and forward-thinking growers to attend the event and share their thoughts. Ashley Ratcliff from Ricca Terra professionally moderated the day, brilliantly facilitating discussions and keeping everyone on track. It was wonderful to see such genuine engagement from all attendees. I was particularly grateful that everyone was so generous with their time, had read the draft plan and questions sent out prior to the day and came prepared to share thoughts and knowledge, listen to others and collaborate on ideas. Growers also had the opportunity to hear from Toby Bekkers as he shared his Nuffield Scholarship learnings. The two CEOs of our national advocacy bodies were also invited as guests. Anna Hooper from Australian Vignerons and Tony Battaglene from Winemakers' Federation of Australia attended as observers and gained a clear understanding of contemporary issues of interest and concerns to growers. Throughout the day many new networks developed whilst others re-connected with past acquaintances. We were all reminded of the immense value in good relationships, effective and honest communications and having a strong workplace culture. Feedback received has been extremely positive. Growers welcomed the engagement and the opportunity to be involved, many commenting on the need for days like this to be developed further and implemented annually. Many thanks to all the growers, speakers, observers and council who attended and offered up such insight and honesty. I am so very, very grateful. It was without a doubt my absolute favourite workday since being in this position and one that has given me plenty to think about, investigate and act on. For Growers who weren’t at this inaugural Grower focus day, there’s still plenty of opportunities to have input, here are some questions I’d love your thoughts on.
The ACCC has announced it will be conducting a market study into the wine grape industry. The study will examine competition, contracting practices, transparency and risk allocation issues in the wine grape supply chain.
The study is a result of concerns raised by wine grape growers about a range of competition issues and contracting practices. The ACCC has released an issues paper and are seeking submissions from people involved in the industry on:
The ACCC will be holding public forums in wine grape growing areas to hear directly from interested stakeholders. Details will be announced on our website soon. For the results of the ACCC survey, conducted in July and August 2018, please visit: Grape growers survey. If you would like to make a submission, visit the ACCC website for more details - https://www.accc.gov.au/focus-areas/market-studies/wine-grape-market-study/issues-paper South Australian Government announces intention to repeal the Labour Hire Licensing Act 20173/10/2018
Working together and having a united voice is much more likely to achieve results than single efforts.
This good news about labour licensing started with WGCSA working with other Primary Producers SA members to get the state Liberal party to add the repeal of this legislation to their pre-election policies. After the Marshall government formed, there have born many discussion about delivering on those promises. Great work together with SAWIA on this has strengthened this lobbying and hence we welcome the announcement below. Good outcomes depends on clearly identifying the changes we want and banding together to work with government to achieve them. Here is one win for the team.
On 19 September 2018 the South Australian Attorney-General advised the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA) of the South Australian Government’s intention to repeal the Labour Hire Licensing Act 2017 (the Act) following extensive lobbying and representation, including from SAWIA. SAWIA has taken the lead arguing for sensible and practical changes to the licensing scheme since it was announced by the former Labor State Government and calling for the scheme to be repealed if such changes were not made. As a result of the Government’s policy decision, the agency responsible for administering the Act, Consumer and Business Services (CBS), is not accepting applications for a labour hire licence at this time. In addition, CBS will not be granting any licences already applied for until Parliament has dealt with the legislation to repeal the labour hire licensing scheme. If the Act is successfully repealed, then CBS will refund any application fees that have been paid. MEDIA RELEASE
Winemakers’ Federation of Australia (WFA) and Australian Vignerons (AV) have entered into formal discussions on a potential amalgamation of the two industry bodies, to create a single united peak body, to represent the Australian grape and wine sector at the federal level. WFA Chief Executive, Tony Battaglene commented on the proposal of a single body, saying “there have been discussions over the years for reform of the grape and wine sector representative bodies, with a particular sentiment for greater unity and representation of the sector as a whole”. “It is clear to me, that political parties of all persuasions would welcome representation from a single body for the grape and wine sector and our advocacy efforts would be muchstronger” Mr Battaglene said. WFA and AV have been holding discussions on how to achieve better service delivery for the whole sector. AV Chief Executive Officer, Anna Hooper said “the creation of a single body will provide stronger representation for our members, improve efficiency and increase positive outcomes for the entire grape and wine sector. This proposal demonstrates a fantastic example of collaboration and leadership that Australian Vignerons is proud to be part of. We look forward to the prospect of being able to deliver more for our members, and the sector as a whole, should the membership support the proposed reform”. WFA and AV are nowin formal discussions on the structure of a single organisation, with the objective of a vote on the amalgamated body to be presented to Members in November 2018. Both WFA and AV Boards support thesemoves, and believe that this is an important first step to better deliver outcomes for the sector as a whole, and will enable the delivery of a program of work that will benefit all sector participants. The Australian Vignerons website has more information about this topic available for growers. To visit the website, click here. The Wine Grape Council of SA is a key member of Primary Producers SA, the united voice of South Australia's primary production industries. See below for a press release from PPSA regarding the 2018 South Australian Budget, released on September 4.
Primary Producers SA has welcomed a range of the new initiatives and delivery of election promises in the State Government's first budget. PPSA Executive Chairman Rob Kerin says the move by the government to reduce costs is a win for farm businesses, including changes to the Emergency Services Levy and payroll tax, capping natural resources management and state-wide initiatives in reducing energy costs. “Given majority of farm businesses are small businesses, any assistance with reducing costs is welcomed and will position our industry to continue to grow and expand its contribution to the SA economy,” Mr Kerin said. “In particular, the increased flexibility on stamp duty exemptions for transferring the family farm are very welcome and will lead to better business handling of such transfers." “In addition, we welcome the $10 million over three years for mobile black spots. We hope this can leverage considerable amounts of Federal and other funds to address what is a major business, social and safety handicap for many regional areas of SA. “We are also pleased to see a dedicated funding stream for projects to improve regional roads and infrastructure. This fund of $315 million over four years will continue to improve transport efficiency and safety in the regions. “Access to health services in regional areas is a major concern for residents so we welcome the investments in country health facilities, $20 million over four years for the Rural Health Workforce Strategy and $6.8 million over four years to establish the Local Health Network Governing Boards.” However, Mr Kerin says the sector remains concerned about ongoing investment in Primary Industries & Regions SA – the key department linking farmers and the broader primary production industry to the government. “Research, development and biosecurity are vital to the growth of the food, wine and fibre sectors, which are continued performers when it comes to exports from SA. We are pleased Minister for Agriculture Tim Whetstone has protected SARDI and biosecurity from minor budget cuts to PIRSA. However significant increases in funding in future years will be needed.” Grain Producers SA Chairman Wade Dabinett says the organisation welcomes the budget commitment to review cultivation of genetically modified crops in South Australia – a major issue for the state’s grain farmers. “We welcome the retention of SARDI as a stand-alone unit of PIRSA but, like PPSA, we are seeking increased investment in R&D. GPSA will be closely watching the delivery of the renewed research investment framework over the next 12 months, as foreshadowed in the budget papers,” Mr Dabinett said. “The State Government has also announced it will be investigating the establishment of a joint grain and mineral port on Eyre Peninsula through Infrastructure SA, so we will be seeking more detail of the extent of that review and how GPSA can have input on behalf of our members.” Livestock SA President Joe Keynes says the organisation is pleased with the level of investment in issues important to the livestock sector. “Livestock SA is pleased to see the increased funding for the control of wild dogs in the State Budget – this is for a trapper service enhanced baiting and dog fence improvements,” he said. “Funding for Biosecurity SA to encourage livestock producers to use One Biosecurity and funding in SARDI for developing new strategies to improve the success rate of artificial insemination in sheep demonstrates that the livestock industries have not been forgotten by the State Government.” |