Dairy businesses can now sponsor migrant staff across a broader range of roles and skills, following advocacy by Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) for government action to address the workforce shortage in the sector.
The Commonwealth Government has made changes to the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement (DILA). These changes enable dairy farmers to now employ skilled overseas workers on a visa in two roles:
- Dairy Cattle Farm Operator (new)
- Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker.
The changes also cover:
- Work experience – reduced levels of work experience are now required to satisfy the relevant visa criterion
- English language – the requirement has been reduced to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) grade 5 with no minimum score for certain visas.
- Age Limits – the age limit for visa holders has been increased from 45 to 55 years
- Labour market testing – now only two attempts are required over a 12-month period, and
- Salary concessions.
The changes take effect immediately and apply nationally.
The changes to DILA have been made by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Alex Hawke, in response to submissions from ADF and Dairy Australia.
“We thank Minister Hawke for these reforms, which will help to ensure that rural migration policy better reflects the workforce needs of the Australian dairy industry,” ADF CEO David Inall says.
“The skilled worker shortage is the number one concern for dairy farms currently. While development of the domestic workforce is a key focus for industry, immigration will remain an important pathway for some businesses.”
ADF’s work with the government to address the labour challenge also includes:
- A request that visas for artificial insemination technicians be prioritised
- Feedback on the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2021, which addresses issues in the industrial relations system that hinder employment generation (the Bill received royal assent in late March 2021)
- Input into the new agriculture visa that supports greater access to international labour.
The worker shortage is limiting growth in the dairy sector (farm businesses need approx.1 FTE per 100 cows). It is estimated that more than 50% of dairy farm businesses in Australia will need to recruit annually in coming years, and that those that recruit will be seeking on average around three employees.
For more details on the new DILA settings, visit Dairy Australia’s The People in Dairy web page, see the dairy industry agreement on the Department of Home Affairs web site or the fact sheet.
About Australian Dairy Farmers
Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) is the recognised national policy and advocacy organisation working to improve profitability and sustainability of dairy farming in Australia. Representing Australia’s six dairying states, Australian Dairy Farmers state membership comprises representatives from Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. These state bodies are known as State Dairy Farmer Organisations (SDFOs). ADF provides the SDFOs with support and representation on a national level.
About the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement (DILA) enables a streamlined process for dairy businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers when there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and where standard temporary or permanent visa programs are not available. DILA enables dairy businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers for up to four years and/or permanent residence.
For further information:
Mark Paterson
Currie
Tel: 0409 411 110