The Agricultural Workforce Working Group (the Working Group) is comprised of representatives for industry, employers, unions and the Australian Government. The Working Group will help ensure Australian agriculture benefits from the outcomes of the government's Jobs and Skills Summit. The Working Group will focus on solutions to address workforce issues in the agriculture and processing sectors, including skilling, attracting, retaining and protecting workers.
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Tripartite Working Group Agreement (PDF 292 KB)
Tripartite Working Group Agreement (DOCX 360 KB)
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Communiques
A communique will be published after each meeting of the Working Group. Read the Working Group communiques.
Membership
- Senator the Hon. Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Andrew Metcalfe AO, Secretary of Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
- Fiona Simson, President, National Farmers’ Federation.
- Michele O’Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions.
- Richard Shannon, Executive Officer, NFF Horticulture Council
- Dan Walton, National Secretary, Australian Workers’ Union.
- Ann Gardiner, National Council Member, Australian Dairy Farmers.
- Tim Kennedy, National Secretary, United Workers Union.
- Patrick Hutchinson, CEO, Australian Meat Industry Council.
- Matt Journeaux, Federal Secretary, Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union.
The group will be facilitated by James Flintoft, a board director and former senior executive in the Victorian Department of Agriculture, with years of experience in the public sector and development space.
Public policy specialist and former chair of the National Agricultural Labour Advisory Committee of John Azarias will also act as a special advisor to the Minister on this working group.