Safe Work Australia Best Practice Review of the Model Work Health and Safety Laws
Agriculture is one of the nation’s highest-risk sectors, yet also one of themost diverse. It spans family farms, small enterprises, and complex supplychains operating across multiple jurisdictions. Achieving safer outcomes inthis environment requires regulation that is proportionate, evidence-based,and co-designed with industry The agricultural sector supports a nationally consistent WHS frameworkthat promotes clarity, efficiency, and fairness […]
Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Review
Agriculture plays a critical role in regional employment and community life.The sector is characterised by small businesses operating in diverse andsometimes remote environments, where physical, technical and regulatoryconstraints often shape employment practices. It is therefore essential thatany amendments to the DDA strike a balance between protecting the rightsof people with disability on the one hand […]
NFF welcomes move on 30-hour PALM safety net
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 […]
Review of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Deed and Guidelines
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the review of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Deed and Guidelines as a chance to reduce red tape and make the scheme work better for farmers and workers alike. The PALM scheme deed and guidelines were implemented in June 2023. This specific review will examine the impact of […]
PALM review a chance to cut red tape and boost productivity
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the review of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Deed and Guidelines as a chance to reduce red tape and make the scheme work better for farmers and workers alike. NFF Interim Chief Executive Su McCluskey said the PALM scheme was now an essential part of Australia’s […]
Climate Change Authority Issues Paper: 2025 Annual Progress Report
Progress against Australia’s legislated 2030 target is on-track, with current projections from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) indicating a 42.6-42.7% decrease below 2005 levels by 2030. While the national trajectory remains on-track, the underlying policy environment for agriculture remains fragmented. To support a just transition, the Commonwealth needs […]
Fair Work Ombudsman goes MIA on ag businesses’ futures
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is disappointed by the Fair Work Ombudsman’s (FWO) recent review into the definition of a “small business employer”, under the Fair Work Act. The review failed to deliver any substantive recommendations, instead advising the Federal Government to consider whether further work is warranted. NFF President David Jochinke said the report’s […]
NFF Lunch and Learn Series discusses a food security strategy
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has launched its new ‘NFF Lunch and Learn’ series with a compelling inaugural session centred on Australia’s food security. Held on 30 June 2025, the first event attracted more than 80 participants from across NFF member organisations. The feature presentation was delivered by Andrew Henderson, lead author of the National […]
NFF says wage growth must be matched by productivity gains
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has acknowledged the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase the National Minimum Wage and modern award rates by 3.5 per cent. NFF Chief Executive Troy Williams said that while the Commission had adopted a measured approach, albeit with an outcome a little higher that employers may have wanted, it is […]
NFF, Solomon Islands agree on PALM importance and improvements
The National Farmer’s Federation (NFF) and Solomon Islands have reinforced the importance of the PALM worker scheme, in a landmark meeting. The Solomon Island’s High Commissioner, His Excellency Robert Sisilo, was welcomed to NFF House this week. NFF President David Jochinke said the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme was an important mechanism for both […]