CONNECTING, SUPPORTING & CELEBRATING
TASMANIAN RURAL WOMEN & THEIR FAMILIES
News
Changes to the Pastoral and Horticultural Awards
As of 1 April 2025, significant changes will be implemented in the Pastoral Award and the Horticulture Award under Australian workplace laws. These adjustments pertain to the definitions of entry-level classifications and the establishment of minimum pay rates.
Key Changes:
Entry-Level Classifications: The Fair Work Commission has mandated that introductory classifications, previously known as 'C14' or 'Level 1', are to be applied for a transitional period not exceeding six months. This period is intended for employees to undergo induction and training, acquiring the necessary skills and experience for their roles.
Level 1:
This applies to specific roles (station hands, station cooks, cattle farm workers, etc.) during the first 6 months of employment if the employee has less than 6 months of experience in the industry.
Level 2:
This applies to employees in the same roles (station cooks, offsiders) who have more than 6 months of experience. It also applies to station hands and dairy operators (Grade 1A) who have between 6 to 12 months of experience.
Level 3:
Station hands and dairy operators (Grade 1A) will progress to Level 3 after 12 months of experience in the industry.
Piggery workers:
They will move from PA1 (Pastoral Award Level 1) to PA2 (Pastoral Award Level 2) no later than 3 months after starting in the industry.
Minimum Pay Rates: Following the transitional phase, employees must be classified at a level that ensures their remuneration meets or exceeds the National Minimum Wage. This change aims to provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net for all employees.
Horticulture Award Specifics:
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Hourly Rates: Under the Horticulture Award, the hourly rate for a full-time or part-time Level 1 employee is set at $23.46. For casual employees, a 25% casual loading applies, bringing the hourly rate to $29.33.
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Piece Rates: Employers utilizing piece rates must ensure that these rates allow competent pieceworkers to earn at least 15% more than the standard hourly rate. Additionally, pieceworkers are guaranteed a minimum daily wage based on the hourly rate, ensuring fair compensation for their work.
More information about Pay and Piece rates
Pastoral Award Specifics:
The Pastoral Award encompasses various classifications with corresponding pay rates. To determine the applicable rates and classifications, employers and employees should consult the Fair Work Ombudsman's official Pay Guide for the Pastoral Award.
Fair Work Ombudsman Awards Summary
For comprehensive information and guidance, refer to the Fair Work Ombudsman's resources on the Horticulture Award and Pastoral Award.
Lifetime Ewe Management Course Expression of Interest
We are excited to announce that TWiA is offering a special incentive for members interested in participating in the Lifetime Ewe Management Course. As part of our ongoing commitment to support your learning and development, we are heavily subsidising the cost of this course for those who wish to partake.
This course is designed to help you improve your sheep management practices, leading to healthier flocks, more efficient breeding, and better overall productivity. It's a unique opportunity to gain practical, hands-on knowledge from industry experts.
Maximise your lamb numbers with Lifetime Ewe Management! 🐑
Join an LTEM group in your area and learn how to boost your flock’s productivity. LTEM is delivered on farm and works best with small groups of 5-7 participants.
Gather your like-minded neighbours and farmers to form a group, and a Trainer will come to you to deliver the course. Don’t miss out – improve your lambing results today!
For more information or to express your interest and take advantage of the heavy subsidies:
Contact Deb Morice 0408 990 927 or email chair@taswomeninag.org
Leading together 2024 Women's Leadership Program
In the final week of November Executive Committee member Melissa Edwards had the privilege of spending 3 days with 45 inspirational Tasmanian female leaders, each working within male dominated industry. What an incredible experience it was!
Captains Penny Terry and Lucy Byrne (GAICD) from Healthy Tasmania guided participants through a motivational journey of self-discovery, helping them find their voices and develop strategies to overcome barriers, all while honing business and leadership skills.
Key takeaways:
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The importance of healthy workplace governance
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Understanding authenticity markers - mannerisms, momentum and mojo
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Crafting compelling stories to ensure messages resonate
This program was more than just a learning opportunity; it was a chance to connect, draw inspiration from one another, and forge bonds with other talented female leaders.
About the I-LEAD Women in Industry program
Specifically designed for women, I-LEAD Women in Industry aims to address the under-representation of women in leadership roles across both large and small enterprises in Tasmania. This program is tailored for emerging and established leaders working in traditionally male-dominated industries and occupations, including mining, construction, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing, agriculture, STEM, electricity, water, gas, waste services, and technical trades.
Pending funding, the program is expected to run from July to September 2025.
For more information head to: https://www.tasmanianleaders.org.au/programs/i-lead/
Contact information and Support for Farmers
NRE Tas have a document available for Contact information and support for Tasmanian farmers to build farm business resilience and manage dry conditions.
Find it here: https://nre.tas.gov.au/Documents/Information%20and%20Support%20for%20Tasmanian%20Farmers.PDF
Tas Farm Innovation Hub
Tas Farm Innovation Hub brings together researchers, farmers, industry, natural resource managers and traditional owners to co-design and implement relevant and innovative solutions.
There have been some interesting projects underway funded by the Hub, as well as information gathering of research available for farmers.
Tas Farm Innovation Hub project examples:
https://landdrainagetasfarming.com.au/
Tas Farm Innovation Hub
Tas Farm Innovation Hub brings together researchers, farmers, industry, natural resource managers and traditional owners to co-design and implement relevant and innovative solutions.
There have been some interesting projects underway funded by the Hub, as well as information gathering of research available for farmers.
Tas Farm Innovation Hub project examples:
https://landdrainagetasfarming.com.au/
Seedlab Tasmania - Growing Tasmania
Of the 44 newest recruits to the seedlab bootcamps 77% of the businesses were founded by women.
Did you catch Seedlab at the Salamanca Market? It is one of the ways that Seedlab have supported small businesses in Tasmania in 2023.
Did you also know that Seedlab ran a Bootcamp for small businesses? The program ran for 6 weeks and was designed to equip start-ups, small, and early-stage businesses with the knowledge, tools, and mentorship needed to navigate the initial stages of business growth.
For more news and initiatives from Seedlab head to seedlabtasmania.com.au
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Little Lissa Loo (L) and Milie Organics (R), already seasoned hands at Salamanca Market,
joined Seedlab's Bootcamps in 2023.