The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement provides an exceptional opportunity for employers in Australia’s dairy sector to sponsor skilled overseas workers. This agreement enables businesses to employ workers in specialized roles like ‘Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker’ and ‘Dairy Cattle Farm Operator’ on a temporary or permanent basis. With this visa pathway, the industry can address workforce shortages and bring in experienced professionals to meet the growing demands of the dairy industry.
In this blog, we’ll explore the core aspects of the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, including the types of visas available, specific requirements for both employers and skilled workers, as well as the benefits of participating in the agreement.
What is the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement?
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement allows employers in the dairy industry to sponsor skilled overseas workers for the roles of Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker and Dairy Cattle Farm Operator. These positions are critical to managing operations related to dairy production, milking processes, livestock care, and farm management.
The agreement permits temporary sponsorship for up to 4 years and can also lead to permanent residency. The terms and conditions of the agreement are set and non-negotiable, which means employers must comply with specific requirements based on the worker’s visa subclass and designated regional location.
Visas Available Under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement
- Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) – This is a temporary visa that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers in the dairy industry to fill roles for up to 4 years.
- Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186) – This is a permanent residency visa, but it is available after a 3-year transition period from the initial temporary visa (subclass 482).
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) – This is a temporary visa that allows workers to be employed in regional areas of Australia with a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years.
Occupation Requirements for Skilled Overseas Workers
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement is specifically for two occupations:
- Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker: This position requires workers to manage and supervise various aspects of dairy farm operations, such as coordinating milking routines, implementing reproductive programs, managing livestock health, and ensuring quality assurance protocols. These professionals must also handle tasks like supervising staff, overseeing animal welfare, and maintaining farm equipment and infrastructure.
- Dairy Cattle Farm Operator: Operators work with milking equipment, assist in breeding programs, manage machinery maintenance, and contribute to other daily farm operations. While less supervisory than the Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker, this role also involves critical farm tasks, including machinery operation and problem-solving.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Employers and Workers
Employer Requirements:
To sponsor a worker under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, employers must meet several criteria:
- Sponsor obligations: Employers must ensure compliance with the National Employment Standards and meet the salary requirements for the visa subclasses involved. For instance, the worker must earn at least 90% of the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) for subclass 494 or the Core Skilled Income Threshold (CSIT) for subclasses 482 and 186.
- Full-time employment: The skilled worker must be employed on a full-time basis.
- Workplace Location: The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement is applicable across specific regional areas, and the requirements for skilled workers may vary depending on the region.
Worker Requirements:
To be eligible for these roles, workers must meet the following criteria:
- Skills, qualifications, and experience: Workers must have a Certificate III or equivalent for Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Workers or at least 1 year of relevant experience for Dairy Cattle Farm Operators. Some roles may also require on-the-job training.
- English language proficiency: Workers must meet specific English language requirements, which vary depending on the visa subclass and the region.
- For Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482), workers need an IELTS score of 5.0 overall, with some variations based on regional locations.
- For Employer Nomination Scheme visas (subclass 186) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visas (subclass 494), IELTS score requirements differ depending on the regional category.
Key Responsibilities of Sponsored Workers
Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker:
- Plan and manage milk production processes, including milking shed operations.
- Implement breeding and reproductive programs, such as artificial insemination.
- Conduct veterinary procedures to minimize injuries during calving.
- Manage pastures and crop planning for optimal livestock feeding.
- Supervise less experienced workers and maintain farm safety.
Dairy Cattle Farm Operator:
- Operate milking equipment and maintain machinery.
- Track farm data such as milk production and cow health.
- Assist in breeding programs and manage herd management tasks.
- Perform general maintenance and repairs of farm equipment.
Salary and Employment Conditions
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement includes specific salary requirements for skilled overseas workers:
- For Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482), employers must meet the required salary thresholds.
- Employers must ensure workers are paid according to the industry standards and visa subclass requirements.
- Employers must also guarantee full-time employment, with compliance to work hour regulations, including overtime where applicable.
Regional Location Considerations
A significant feature of the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement is its focus on regional locations. Employers in Category 1, 2, and 3 regional areas https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/regional-migration/eligible-regional-areas may benefit from additional flexibility, but they must ensure they meet specific local and visa-related obligations.
Age Requirements for Visa Applicants
For those applying for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), applicants must meet age requirements, which vary depending on the region:
- Category 1 regional areas: Standard age limits apply.
- Category 2 and 3 regional areas: Applicants must be under 55 years of age.
Conclusion
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement offers a vital pathway for employers in the Australian dairy sector to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles like Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker and Dairy Cattle Farm Operator. By meeting specific requirements, both employers and workers can benefit from long-term employment prospects in Australia’s growing dairy industry. This agreement not only helps fill vital positions but also ensures that workers contribute to maintaining the high standards of Australia’s agricultural practices.
For more information on the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement and how it can benefit your business, contact us today.
Give us a call on 02 8077 2562 for a detailed and free discussion.
