Officers connecting workers to Ag businesses

Radio grabs

• Officers across the state to help connect employers and workers.
• More than $4 million in support helps producers access workers.
• Thousands of opportunities across Queensland.

Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) officers across Queensland are ready to help connect primary producers with workers during a busy winter harvest season.

The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $4 million in rural jobs initiatives and programs to ensure primary producers can access the workers they need, when they need them.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said QAWN officers can help producers properly plan workforce recruitment and training to meet seasonal demands.

The network, funded by government and delivered by industry, is designed to help agribusinesses of all sizes attract, train, and retain workers.

Since 2016 the Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network and the Rural Jobs and Skills Alliance (RSJA) have assisted agribusinesses on more than 23,000 occasions, leading to more than 12,000 good jobs supported and 8,000 training and education outcomes.

The RJSA is coordinated by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation and brings together multiple peak bodies including AgForce, CANEGROWERS, Growcom, Nursery, Garden Industry Queensland and Cotton Australia, to provide timely advice on current and emerging agricultural workforce needs.

QAWN officers are funded by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, hosted by industry/economic bodies located throughout the State, and deliver a free service to agribusinesses with operations in Queensland, regardless of commodity or organisation membership.

QAWN officers are hosted by FNQ Growers, Bowen Gumlu Growers Association, CANEGROWERS Mackay, CHRRUP, Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers and Growcom.

Employers can find out more about accessing support from QAWN here

Visit #pickqld for workforce attraction information

Find more business planning resources, including new on-farm rural worker accommodation initiatives, how to access workers from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and how to support them in the workplace and communities here:

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner:

“The Palaszczuk Government stood by our farmers by protecting our agriculture sector through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are standing by them now,” Minister Furner said.

“We announced the extension of these programs because we know how important it is for primary producers to create certainty around their labour needs.

“Since 2015 the Palaszczuk Government has invested heavily in creating jobs in rural and regional Queensland, and these workforce initiatives are connecting workers with thousands of good jobs across the state.

“We have partnered closely with industry to make sure these programs are fit for purpose and delivered in a timely fashion.

“With the right workforce in place I hope our farmers will enjoy another bumper season.”

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0427 781 920