CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19 Response

The Cattle Council of Australia is working with Federal, State and Territory Governments in our response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

We are working with the Red Meat Advisory Council to secure the beef supply chain and the National Farmers’ Federation on issues facing the whole agricultural sector.

Health and Welfare

Cattle Council has prepared a factsheet with advice to help protect the health and wellbeing of people on farm and the Federal Government has provided a planning tool to help make the workplace COVIDSafe

Lifeline is also offering support services during the COVID-19 crisis and have online mental health resources available here

Information on what to do if there is a case of coronavirus on your farm can be found here

Staffing Arrangements

NSW: You can register an interstate worker for a NSW border entry permit through Service NSW by clicking here

In response to the second wave of COVID-19 infections in Victoira, the Victorian Government has produced this guide detailing which industries may remain open, noting Agricultural industries are permitted to keep operating with a COVID safe plan.

The National Farmers’ Federation has produced a useful guide to help producers manage staff during the COVID-19 response, which has been published on farmhub.com.au

For detailed information about accessing the Federal Governments JobKeeper payment click here

If you have staff on a temporary working visa, such as working holidaymakers or staff engaged under the Seasonal Work Program and Pacific Labour Scheme, then they may be able to extend their stay to keep working on your property. More information can be accessed from the Department of Home Affairs. Information about exemptions to bring in overseas workers with critical skills is avaliable from Border Force .

Information on staffing arrangements during the crisis can be found through Fair Work Australia.

Financial Support

Information on financial assistance provided by the state, territory and federal governments, including the Federal Government’s JobKeeper payments can be found at farmhub.org.au.

Information on special tax arrangements for businesses affected by COVID-19 can be found through the Australian Tax Office’s small business newsroom.

Travelling and Freight within Australia

Information on interstate border restrictions and the impact on the red meat sector can be found on the latest Border Control Arrangements Summary.

Strict controls are in place for travel into designated isolated areas. There are a number of reasons you are permitted to travel into these areas which can be found here.

Most states and territories are also restricting movements to and from Victoria due to a second spike in COVID-19 cases in Melbourne. Click here for an overall summary of current requirements or the links below for the latest state-by-state advice.

Border control restrictions by jurisdiction

ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA

International Trade

The Commonwealth, states and territories have committed to keeping their borders open for freight, securing the national supply chain for beef and inputs to beef production such as fodder, water and veterinary medicines.

Cattle Council and its industry partners are working with all levels of government to keep the supply chain secure and minimise blockages. CCA is also working with industry and government to maintain international trading arrangements.

The latest information on international trade arrangements can be found through AusTrade’s dedicated COVID-19 Resources Page

Communications

COVID-19 has increased pressure on broadband and mobile phone networks, particularly for educational and business purposes.

Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia has prepared a useful guide for getting the most from your internet connection.

Telecommunications companies are also offering financial assistance to anyone in distress. More information is available from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) is also providing useful COVID-19 information to consumers at this site, including how to contact your service provider and how the TIO can assist with unresolved complaints and arrange urgent assistance with connectivity.

Further Information

Further information and an extensive list of resources are also available from the Red Meat Advisory Council.

You can also monitor Cattle Council’s response to the coronavirus through its media release page.