Are you a dairy farm looking for skilled workers? At Migration Unity, we can help!
Australia’s dairy industry is a vital sector that contributes significantly to the country’s economy while meeting the growing demand for dairy products. However, sourcing skilled workers has become a challenge for the industry. To address this issue, the Australian government has introduced the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement. This agreement allows employers in the dairy industry to sponsor skilled overseas workers, opening up avenues for temporary stays of up to 4 years and potential permanent residency.
In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, including visa options, occupation requirements, English language proficiency, skills and qualifications, salary criteria, and age limitations.
Visa Options Under Dairy Industry Labour Agreement
Employers can sponsor skilled overseas workers through the following visa subclasses under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement:
- Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) after a three-year transition period
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Occupation Requirements
Under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement, employers can nominate two specific occupations:
- Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker
- Dairy Cattle Farm Operator
It is important to note that there is no specific ANZSCO code for these occupations. When nominating these roles, we use the code 070499 instead.
Tasks and Responsibilities
Skilled overseas workers sponsored under the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement will be responsible for various tasks depending on the occupation:
For ‘Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker,’ these tasks may include:
- Planning and managing milk production processes
- Coordinating and implementing reproductive programs
- Assisting in controlled breeding experiments
- Implementing calving procedures
- Managing pastures and crops for livestock production
- Supervising animal health programs and ensuring optimal welfare conditions
- Operating milking plant and equipment
- Maintaining quality assurance procedures and documentation
- Participating in emergency response procedures, both for occupational health and safety and animal welfare
For ‘Dairy Cattle Farm Operator,’ tasks may include:
- Operating milking plant and equipment
- Identifying and reporting equipment malfunctions
- Collaborating effectively as part of a team
- Recording instrument information and ensuring safety standards
- Conducting basic machinery maintenance and repairs
- Contributing to problem-solving and decision-making within established guidelines
- Assisting with processes such as artificial insemination and fertiliser mix design
- Using standard measuring equipment and computerised systems
English Language Proficiency:
Skilled overseas workers must meet the English language requirements based on the visa subclass and regional location:
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482):
Category 1 regional locations: IELTS overall score of at least 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 in each component, or equivalent.
Category 2 and 3 regional locations: IELTS overall score of at least 5.0 with no minimum component score required, or equivalent.
Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
Category 1, 2, and 3 regional locations: IELTS overall score of at least 5.0 with a minimum of 4.5 in each component, or equivalent.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Category 2 and 3 regional locations: IELTS overall score of at least 5.0 with no minimum component score required, or equivalent.
Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
To meet the occupation requirements for ‘Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker,’ skilled overseas workers must have at least one of the following:
- AQF Certificate III or equivalent qualifications assessed by a registered training organisation, along with a minimum of 2 years of recent and relevant work experience, or
- A minimum of 3 years of recent and relevant work experience.
For ‘Dairy Cattle Farm Operator,’ skilled overseas workers must have at least one of the following:
- AQF Certificate II or III (or equivalent)
- 1 year of recent and relevant work experience as an alternative to the formal qualification. On-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Salary and Employment Conditions
Employers must meet the salary requirements set for the respective visa programs (subclass 482, subclass 186, and subclass 494). Skilled overseas workers must be employed on a full-time basis, and if overtime hours are included, the National Employment Standards must be met.
Salary conditions ensure that the earnings of skilled overseas workers in Category 3 regional locations are equal to or greater than 90% of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
Age Limitations
There is no age limit for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482). However, for the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494), applicants working in Category 1 regional areas must meet standard age requirements at the time of application. Applicants working in Category 2 and 3 regional areas must be under 55 years of age at the time of application.
Conclusion
The Dairy Industry Labour Agreement presents a valuable opportunity for employers in the Australian dairy industry to overcome skill shortages by sponsoring skilled overseas workers.
By taking advantage of this agreement, you can ensure the continued success and growth of your dairy business while meeting the demands of the industry. Whether you require Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Workers or Dairy Cattle Farm Operators, the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement provides a structured pathway for sourcing the necessary talent. Don’t miss out on the chance to strengthen your workforce and contribute to the thriving dairy sector in Australia.
Take action now and explore the possibilities offered by the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement. Contact one of our expert registered migration agents to guide you through the process and make the most of this opportunity. Together, we can build a sustainable future for the Australian dairy industry while harnessing the skills and expertise of skilled overseas workers.
