Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Liberal Nationals

Proposed legislation allowing unions unannounced access to farms may jeopardise farmer safety and biosecurity

Mr. Littleproud expressed alarm at proposed changes, citing privacy concerns, safety risks for farmers, and potential animal welfare issues. The Fair Work Bill grants unions more access, raising worries about unintended consequences.

By news@gippsland - 5th February 2024 - Back to News

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said new Closing the Loopholes legislation could put farmer safety and biosecurity at risk by giving unions the right to enter farms unannounced. Mr Littleproud said he was alarmed at the potential changes, which not only intruded on privacy and the personal safety of farmers, but also had animal welfare implications.

'New Closing Loopholes legislation is to be introduced to Parliament this week. It gives unions the right to enter farms unannounced and The Nationals will not be supporting it,' says Mr Littleproud

Fair work legislation rights

It comes as the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No. 2) Bill 2023 comes up for debate in the Senate this week in Parliament. The second tranche of the Bill grants unions more entry rights into workplaces including farms.

Mr Littleproud said The Nationals would not be able to support legislation which emboldened unions with additional power to talk to workers and conduct snap inspections of pay records or properties without notice. "These changes would give unions enhanced rights to enter farms unannounced, which is mind boggling and defies common sense."

"The farm is often the family home for many Australians. This is about safety and privacy, as well as animal welfare and biosecurity risk. Any unintended consequences leading to an outbreak of a disease will cause lower food supply and higher food prices - this is the last thing Australian families need in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis," Mr Littleproud said.

Concerns about privacy

Organic poultry farmer Sarah Sterns, who has 6000 chickens on her Kilkivan-based farm, said her smaller, family farm was very much also a private property. "We live and work on the same premise so that would be a huge risk to our privacy."

"I am not comfortable with the idea at all. Because we are organic and free range, we cannot afford to have people on our farm, who are unfamiliar with the risk of viruses spreading. Being organic, we can't use antibiotics or drugs so it would have an enormous impact if that happened, it would wipe out the farm," Sarah said.

Employment status changes

Mr Littleproud added Labor also needs to address the subjectivity and ambiguity around their new definition of 'casual' in their proposed legislation, which was creating too much risk for farmers. "The changes mean that an employee will only be 'casual' if there's no 'firm advanced commitment to continuing and indefinite work', founded on mutual understanding, which is difficult when it comes to agriculture."

"A casual employee will also have the right to convert to permanent employment after six months of employment, if the employee believes their status no longer meets the definition of 'casual'. In other words, the casual employee, not the employer, gets to choose their own employment status. Labor is creating a mess of this and making it hard for farmers, but it's families who will pay for it at the checkout," Mr Littleproud said.

Pictures from Victorian Farmers Federation Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Darren Chester urges abandoning flawed legislation restricting medal reviews to actions within 20 years
  The Albanese government's proposed legislation limits medal appeals to 20 years, stripping veterans and families of rights. Darren Chester says the changes undermine the Defence Honours Tribunal's independence and disenfranchise ADF members.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
  Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment.
• Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
  Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
  Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
  The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
  Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations.