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: Anyone who works in NSW but lives in Queensland or Victoria will need a NSW border entry permit. Click here to apply

Queensland: Anyone who works in Queensland but lives in NSW will require a Border Zone Travel X Pass. Click here to apply

Victoria: The Victorian Government has special arrangements in place for anyone who works in Victoria, but lives in a designated cross-border community in either SA or NSW. Find out more here.

South Australia: The SA Government has special arrangements in place for anyone who works in SA but lives in a designated cross border community. Find out more here

The National Farmers’ Federation has produced a useful guide to help producers manage staff during the COVID-19 response, which can be found here.

The Federal Governments JobKeeper payment has now been replaced by the COVID-19 Disaster Payment. The new payment is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 state public health order. This may involve a lockdown, hotspot or movement restrictions. How much you can get will depend on your location and your individual circumstances. Click here for more information

Information about exemptions to bring in overseas workers with critical skills is available from the Department of Home Affairs .

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 can be found at farmhub.org.au.

Information on special tax arrangements for businesses affected by COVID-19 is available from the Australian Tax Office.

Travelling and Freight within Australia

On 24 July 2020, National Cabinet agreed a Freight Movement Protocol (the Protocol) that was developed based on consultation with industry. To support the implementation of the Protocol, National Cabinet also agreed on the development of a binding Freight Movement Code (Code).

The Code should be read in conjunction with the Protocol and can be found here

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.

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.

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 FarmHub.

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

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