Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government recognises the challenges that communities and farmers have faced over the past few months as a result of COVID-19 and domestic movement restrictions. On 21 August, the national cabinet agreed to the development of an agricultural workers code to be considered at national cabinet at its next meeting. The code recognises the importance of ensuring that farmers, seasonal workers and agricultural services—such as vets and agricultural businesses—can continue to operate in a COVID-19-safe manner.

The minister for agriculture, water and the environment is leading the development of the code which would be enforced by states and territories through their public health orders. The fundamental objectives of the code will be to provide consistency across jurisdictions in the application of movement restrictions, including any national hotspot definition developed, provide a simple and practical definition of 'critical primary industries' and set out appropriate measures necessary to manage COVID-19 risks. As always, we're focused on protecting people's livelihoods. (Time expired)