Workers and employees participating in Operation Grain Harvest Assist have the opportunity to access financial support from the Federal Government’s AgMove program when they relocate to take up short-term agricultural work.
Through the power of social media, the joint-Operation is connecting retired and former ADF servicemen and women with grain farming businesses in urgent need of workers to drive heavy machinery and do other essential jobs to deliver the upcoming grains harvest.
Participants looking to work on farms and deliver the grains harvest can contact the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) to see if they qualify for AgMove to l help cover their relocation costs.
For Australian workers, this includes relocation costs of up to $2000 which can be reimbursed by the HTIS after employees complete at least 40 hours of work in at least two weeks. Up to a further $4000 can be reimbursed for relocation costs when employees continue to work and complete a total of at least 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
Grain Producers Australia Chief Executive, Colin Bettles, welcomed the AgMove program funding offer to support harvest.
“Every bit helps make a positive difference to our grain farming communities. AgMove will provide another layer of assistance to help deliver the workers we need to optimise the forecast $15 billion value of this year’s grains harvest, which will also boost ongoing recovery from drought in many rural communities,” he said.
Retired Royal Australian Armoured Corps Lt. Colonel, Garry Spencer AM, acknowledged the Federal Government’s support through the AgMove program; especially Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister, Stuart Robert, and Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud,
“We’ve made a great start to Operation Grain Harvest Assist with lots of ADF people expressing an interest in answering the call-out for help,” he said.
“Our volunteers are also working hard behind the scenes to connect the workers with the farmers, with harvest on the horizon. AgMove provides more genuine support, which we greatly appreciate, to help bring this plan together; backing our farmers and rural communities.”
To find out more about AgMove call the Harvest Trail Information Service on 1800 062 332 or visit: www.harvesttrail.gov.au
ENDS
Contact
WAFarmers Jessica Wallace: 0491 226 659
ADF Garry Spencer: 0418 996 856
AgForce Grains Policy Director Cam Parker: 0427 472 467
GPA Chief Executive Colin Bettles: 0439 901 970
Comments