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16
May

Covering Your Bases When Hiring from Overseas

If you’re running a farm in Australia, you understand the reality of the seasonal labour crunch.Migrant workers, including those from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, are crucial for maintaining smooth operations.

As of last December, more than 30,000 PALM workers were employed across the country, with Queensland hosting the largest share at 8,475 workers.

​These workers fill labour gaps and also contribute significantly to the local economy and community. Research from Griffith University emphasizes that how seasonal migrants are vital to the social and economic fabric of regional towns, enhancing agriculture, culture, and tourism.

Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

Hiring migrant or casual workers comes with specific legal obligations.

Under Australian law, all workers — regardless of visa status — are entitled to the same workplace rights and protections. This includes:

  • Minimum wage
  • A thorough workplace induction
  • Adequate supervision and training, including in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Leave entitlements
  • Protection from discrimination

So, before employing someone, ensure they have the right to work in Australia. The Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system is a useful tool for this.

Also, remember to provide all new employees with the Fair Work Information Statement and maintain accurate records of their employment.​ This includes supplying them with written employment contracts detailing their rights, responsibilities, and employment conditions as per the National Employment Standards.

PALM workers are guaranteed 30 hours of work per week, and employers must help arrange suitable accommodation and transport to and from work (at the workers’ expense).

Managing Workplace Risks

Farming is inherently risky, and it’s your duty to provide a safe working environment.Common hazards include machinery and vehicle accidents, chemical exposure, heat stress, exposure to extreme weather, and manual handling/musculoskeletal injuries.​ Seasonal workers are also at risk due to language barriers, unsafe work practices, lack of training, poor accommodation and living conditions, mental health challenges, animal-related injuries, slips/trips and falls, and infectious diseases. As well, check out the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s 2025 submission on major issues facing temporary migrant workers.

To mitigate these risks:

  • Conduct regular risk assessments
    Identify potential hazards and implement control measures.
  • Provide appropriate safety equipment
    Ensure workers have access to necessary PPE, such as eye/hearing/sun protection, high-vis clothing, chemical-resistant clothing or aprons, gloves, and respirators/masks.
  • Offer thorough training
    Educate workers on the safe handling of machinery and hazardous materials.
  • Maintain clear safety protocols
    Set up and enforce procedures for emergency situations.

 

Essential Insurance Coverage

Having the right insurance builds compliance and protects your business and workers.

Key policies to consider include:

  • Workers’ compensation insurance: Mandatory for employers, covering medical costs and wage replacement for injured employees​.
  • Public liability insurance: Protects against claims of personal injury or property damage caused by farm operations​.
  • Personal accident insurance: Covers non-employee workers, such as contractors and volunteers, in case of injury​.
  • Crop and property insurance: While optional, it is recommended to cover damage to farm equipment, crops, and buildings due to extreme weather or accidents.

Staying Compliant and Protected

Regularly reviewing your insurance coverage ensures you’re adequately protected as your workforce and risk factors change. It’s also a good practice to conduct routine safety audits and keep detailed incident reports to track workplace safety improvements.​

As your broker, we can work with you to review your policies, identify any gaps, and ensure your coverage aligns with your current needs. Let’s make sure your farm is not only productive but also a safe and compliant place for all your workers.

Staying Compliant and Secure

To maintain compliance and protect your business:​

  • Sign up for alerts from the ACSC: Act promptly on notifications to stay ahead of threats​.
  • Train staff regularly: Educate your team on phishing, password security, and incident reporting​. For instance, your finance staff may play a crucial role in your front line defence against breaches.
  • Conduct annual cyber audits or risk assessments: Use internal resources or third-party experts to identify vulnerabilities​. Start with this official cyber security checklist.
  • Document and review IT and data protection policies: Keep your policies up to date and ensure they reflect current best practices.

 

 

Article Supplied by OneAffiniti

Photo by Djordje_Stojiljkovic

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