AWU says government must reverse decision to divert jobs to short-term visa holders
The Australian Workers’ Union is calling on Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews to reverse a farcical decision that will allow bosses in the dairy, fishing, and meat industries to hire short-term migrants without even having to prove they tried to hire locals first. Ms Andrews department has quietly made a decision to extend industry labour […]
Future Drought Fund selects the next generation of drought resilient leaders
The Australian Government continues to invest in the next generation of drought resilient leaders through the Future Drought Fund (FDF) by selecting 99 mentees and 66 mentors for round two of the mentoring programs. The mentoring program joins farmers with experienced industry professionals for a chance to learn about drought preparedness from those who have […]
Making trade easier for agricultural producers and exporters cost $137.7 million
The Federal government has committed an additional $137.7 million over four years, making it easier and cheaper for local businesses to import and export goods. The announcement came today in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook. The aim is to revamp Australia’s trade systems by simplifying regulation, reducing duplication, and creating a one-stop digital shop […]
Horse racing becomes an election issue between coalition and Greens
The Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia has thrown his support behind Australia’s horseracing industry. It comes after reports that the Greens will take a policy platform, to the next election that will implement a national ban on horse racing. Minister Littleproud said the horseracing industry in Australia deserves our support not to be torn […]
Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement signed and sealed but yet to be delivered
With the final deal signed off today, when it comes into force during the course of 2022 the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) holds out great hope that it will provide farmers and agricultural exporters with new and diversified trade opportunities. It is expected the agreement will open up new and enhanced market access for […]
Psychology scholarship addresses short supply in regional communities
Psychologists and psychological services are in short supply in rural, remote and regional areas of Australia. As a regional university with strong community ties, Southern Cross is offering a new scholarship to address this problem. The Psychologists for Community Scholarship aims to support budding psychologists in the University’s new Master of Professional Psychology program by […]
Federal government backs stronger foundations for agriculture with grants
With over $300 million stumped up in a Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO)investment, it confirms the Federal government’s ongoing commitment to support the agriculture industry. This year’s MYEFO builds on actions taken by the Federal Government to drive agriculture’s resilience, competitiveness, and growth in support of industry’s target of $100 billion in farmgate value by […]
International border reopening expected to ease labour shortage on farms
The reopening of the international border is expected to boost the agricultural workforce and rural and regional businesses as eligible visa holders no longer require a travel exemption to visit Australia From today eligible visa holders who are fully vaccinated will no longer require a travel exemption from the Commissioner of the Australian Border Force […]
Federal Government adds $5 billion to Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility
Infrastructure projects in the Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, collectively known as the Indian Ocean Territories (IOTs), will soon be eligible to apply for concessional loans and other financing support from the Federal Government’s $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). It is expected the IOTs being eligible for NAIF funding will open up exciting […]
Horticulture growers can access $35 million to purchase and install protective netting
Horticulture growers will be able to access $35 million in Federal Government funding to purchase and install protective horticultural netting. This is an expansion the Horticultural Netting Program trial that was set-up to provide assistance to growers Australia wide. The expansion of the Horticultural Netting Program trial is in place to support resilience against climate change […]