LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Seasonal workers are a critical source of labour for our food supply chain. Backpacker numbers have plummeted as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the horticulture sector fears it won’t be able to secure the workforce it needs for harvest. Despite the pressures, a group of unions is attacking our responsible, sustainable…

Statement on VLine CEO James Pinder

The Andrews Labor Government has confirmed VLine CEO James Pinder has been suspended today as a result of an anti-corruption investigation by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). Former Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan announced Mr Pinder’s appointment in October 2016. While it is inappropriate to comment on the ongoing IBAC investigation, this is not…

Breakdown of Border Crossing Restrictions

We have been receiving a lot of calls and questions to the office regarding the NSW border closure. It light of this we decided to put together the following information explaining border definitions and restrictions that relate to the different regions. I hope you find the following information is useful   Please Note: We have…

Special agriculture permits a positive step forward

Victorian farmers who own land in NSW, shearers, harvest contractors and beekeepers will be able to move into NSW without having to quarantine or go via Sydney under a new permit announced today. The NSW Government has announced a ‘Highly Specialised Agriculture Permit’ which will allow exempted Victorian agriculture workers who live within 100km of…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Jobs and businesses in Victoria’s $7.32 billion timber industry are being destroyed by a campaign of misinformation that’s not based on fact. There’s growing evidence in support of the sector’s responsible, sustainable reputation. This includes a recent study from University of Melbourne researchers that found bushfire – not timber harvesting – is the…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, A decision by the Federal Liberal Nationals Government to extend the JobKeeper scheme for a further six months will be welcomed by country Victorian businesses that are relying on the payments to keep local people in work. Restrictions in place to stop the spread of coronavirus are there to save lives, but they’ve…

Update- Covid-19 Restrictions

On Sunday 2nd August, the Premier made some very significant announcements regarding restrictions across Victoria. Metropolitan Melbourne is now under Stage 4 restrictions and Regional Victoria (including Mitchell Shire) will return to Stage 3 restrictions from Thursday. Here’s the latest: STAGE 3 STAY AT HOME RESTRICTIONS From 11.59pm Wednesday 5th August regional Victoria will return to…