Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has assured growers they can maintain a seasonal workforce while meeting their COVID-19 public health obligations.
In a statement released today, Wednesday 29 April, the Premier said the industry needed “clarity about managing an incoming workforce, particularly backpackers, at an important time of year”.
“Everyone needs fresh fruit and vegetables to stay healthy during this time, and much of Australia’s produce is grown right here,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“To harvest these crops our horticulture industry has an average monthly workforce demand of up to 10,000 skilled and unskilled workers over the next six months, but COVID-19 restrictions must also be followed.
“So we have a clear message to agricultural employers and workers about what they need to do, especially if they come from a coronavirus hot spot.”
Any seasonal worker coming to Queensland will need a border pass and details of:
• where they had been for the previous two weeks
• written confirmation of a job in Queensland
• and where they planned to reside.
If they have come from a declared COVID-19 hotspot, they must also self-quarantine for 14 days at their own or employer’s expense before starting their employment.
The Government will also:
• promote the importance of complying with health obligations
• insist on mandatory health management plans
• strengthen compliance
• and ensure local solutions for local circumstances are developed.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said Wide Bay Burnett, Cairns and Moreton Bay North will have the highest demand for harvest workers, followed by Darling Downs-Maranoa and Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday.
“During this process we need to keep everybody safe, and we all have an obligation for taking actions that prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Furner said.
“That means everybody involved in the agricultural employment and supply chain — workers, transporters, accommodation providers, employers, labour hire companies and local communities — are responsible for ensuring proper arrangements.”
• For further information on health management plans, recording employment/travel history and health status of employees, and other COVID-19 agribusiness support, visit www.business.qld.gov.au
