The Fair Work Ombudsman’s site states that a stand down occurs when the reason is beyond the employer’s control.

Heat waves fall within this definition as it is unsafe and unhealthy to allow employees as outdoor workers to work in this heat.

Employees can be stood down (including fulltime) without pay and accrue leave.

The options available to employers in these circumstances is to offer the employee the choice of:

• Annual Leave
• Time off in lieu of payment of overtime on a time for time basis
• Provide work where the employee is not effected by the heat

Information courtesy of Mediation and Employment Relations Services (MERS).

 

There are a number of measures growers can take to help protect family, staff and assets ahead of days of catastrophic fire danger.

According to the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS), a catastrophic fire danger rating indicates the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire.

Key Points:

• Implement a plan for catastrophic fire danger days which all family members and staff are familiar with
• Gather feedback from staff and family to improve planning
• Shift machinery to a gravel or concrete pad ahead of catastrophic fire conditions
• Consider utilising ex-fire authority fire trucks and fit other harvesting equipment with firefighting units
• Have an adequate insurance policy which covers all farm assets.

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TAFE SA is looking for feedback regarding the Pastoralists course offered for the first time this year.

The course, targeting those wanting to work on large station properties, was delivered in intensive blocks of three to five days over 12-15 months at Regency Park, Roxby Downs, Port Augusta or on a station, depending on the skills being covered.

The course provides students with a range of skills including shearing, sheep and cattle handling, welding, vehicle and motorbike servicing, fencing, operation of graders and tractors and boning and sharpening knives.

If you are or you know someone who may be interested in this program, please click the survey link below.

Survey

Sheep Producers Australia has reported on a year of strategic work and outlined its core areas of focus for 2020 at its Annual General Meeting yesterday in Tamworth, NSW.

SPA members also farewelled long-serving board member Michael Craig and endorsed returning board member Jamie Heinrich and new appointment Allison Horswill for three-year terms.

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The $25 million rebuild of the South Australian Dog Fence is underway with material and labour supply tenders now open.

Announced by the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone, the tender documents reveal just how epic this project is with successful applicants being asked to supply up to 71,000 timber posts, 127,500 steel droppers and more than 7000km of wire.

Applications are also being sought from fencing and earthworks contractors.

Minister Whetstone said: “With our pastoral areas facing the challenges of drought, this project will not only limit the impact of wild dogs on our $4.3 billion livestock industry but also provide extra employment opportunities.”

The project is expected to create up to 63 full-time jobs by its third year

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MLA has teamed up with Australia’s biggest recipe website, taste.com.au, to inspire the site’s 5.1 million visitors to cook more beef and lamb each month.

The 12-month partnership launched on 1 November will help build greater awareness and cooking confidence among Australian consumers.

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Next Thursday, 21 November is National Agriculture Day!

This AgDay we’re reminding all Australians what they have in common with their country cousins with the theme #WeAreAustralianFarmers!

Whether city or bush-based, Australians are all motivated to create a better future for our families and our environment.

We all live in the same modern world and share the same progressive values.

With so many farmers contending with one of the worst droughts in living memory, there’s never been a better time to stand with our farming communities.

Show your support on AgDay by sharing the hashtags #WeAreAusFarmers and #AgDayAU across your social media platforms.

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