COVID-19 Updates

AgForce is diving into the ocean of information about the COVID-19 crisis to bring you the latest advice, and is continuing to advocate for your interests. 

 On this page:

• Border controls
• Resources
• Obligations of employers
• Government assistance available
• Industry media
• AgForce events postponed

• The State Government says Queensland's annual harvest season can go ahead, allowing growers to maintain a seasonal workforce, but they must meet their COVID-19 public health obligations. Read more.
• JobKeeper payment information: 'Your questions answered' by McCullough Robertson Lawyers, 23 April 2020.
• NFF's COVID-19 Workplace Guide contains a range of information for the Australian agriculture industry.

• Queensland Government border restrictions.
• Northern Territory Government border controls.
• New South Wales Government cross border management.

Resources

• Federal Minister David Littleproud press conference: Agriculture Working Visas during COVID-19.
• Changes to normal rules for heavy vehicles - caused by COVID-19. 
• Advice on sourcing harvesting and production workers during COVID-19.
• COVID-19 and animals provides information on caring for livestock during COVID-19. 

• Example cattle station COVID-19 workplace management policy, declaration form and action plan, courtesy of Bettini Beef and the National Drought and North Queensland Flood Recovery and Response Agency.

• COVID-19 guide for grain growers.

• Shearing protocols in response to COVID-19.
• Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and wool-selling.

Obligations of Employers and COVID-19

• Safe Work Australia's COVID-19 Information for workplaces outlines that employers have a duty of care for the health and safety of their workers and others in the workplace. 
• The State Government says Queensland's annual harvest season can go ahead, allowing growers to maintain a seasonal workforce, but they must meet their COVID-19 public health obligations. Read more.
• NFF's COVID-19 Workplace Guide contains a range of information for the Australian agriculture industry.
• The Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland employer guide to COVID-19 provides information on key safety and employment issues.
• WorkSafe Qld has published a detailed risk management advice in relation to COVID-19, with links to other information.
• Queensland Health has all the information needed to answer questions about infection, isolation and quarantine.

JobKeeker payment information for employers has all the information and links you need in one place.
JobKeeper: 'Your questions answered' by McCullough Robertson Lawyers, 23 April 2020.
Coronavirus SME Guarantee scheme guarantees 50 per cent of new loans issued by eligible lenders to SMEs.

Australian Banking Association “Small Business Relief” for those dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, or drought, bushfire or flood.

Cash flow assistance for SMEs and boosting cash flow for employers.

Increased asset write-off threshold has been lifted to $150,000 for assets that are either installed or ready for first use by 30 June 2020.

Backing Business Investment deduction of 50% of the cost of an eligible asset on installation.

Early access to superannuation for individuals severely affected by the coronavirus.

Tax support from the Australian Tax Office is providing relief for some tax obligations for businesses affected by the outbreak.

Sole trader support is a resource for sole-traders who do not employ staff.

Coronavirus payroll tax relief is a range of payroll tax relief measures as a result of the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
 
Power bill relief is available for eligible businesses who use less than 100,000kWh. 
 
Sustainability loan provides you with finance up to $1,300,000 to assist in achieving a more productive and sustainable primary production enterprise.

For more information, please call AgForce policy officer, Climate and Agribusiness, Cam Parker on (07) 3236 3100.

• ABARES 'Insights' (issue 3) contains a positive view of Australian food security in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Telstra COVID-19 update for regional Australia from our corporate partner Telstra.
• The National Farmers Federation “We have your backs” advertising campaign.
• A series by DAF on what farmers are doing to keep our country going. Get involved and see the photos and posts.
• Our media release: Australia won’t go hungry while our farmers have our backs, 24 March 2020.
• Royal Flying Doctor Queensland podcast
  • COVID-19 advice for remote, rural & regional Queenslander (on Apple Podcasts).
  • How to protect your mental health (on Apple Podcasts).

AgForce events postponed

In view of the health authorities’ recommendations about ‘social distancing’, many agriculture industry events have been postponed or cancelled.
 
To safeguard our own members and the community, AgForce has also postponed its upcoming events. 
 
We apologise in advance for any inconvenience but know it is in the best interests of members.
 
Please, keep yourself and your families safe.