Member login
Premier announces easements on border restrictions for seasonal workers
Fruit Growers Tasmania | Friday, 18 September 2020, 5.00pm
Premier Peter Gutwein has today announced easements on Tasmania's border restrictions for seasonal workers. The easements come as part of a three stage plan to have the state opened by the 1 December 2020 opening date previously set by the Tasmanian Government.
Under the easements, interstate seasonal workers who have work secured on a Tasmanian farm will be able to enter the state if they are currently located in a non-affected area including SA, WA, NT, ACT, QLD and areas of NSW.
The management of incoming workers will be based on public health advice and can only proceed in a COVID safe way. All seasonal workers will have to comply with strict conditions in place to limit movement for seasonal workers for 14 days upon entry, which include staying on the farm property or in their primary place of residence at all times unless undertaking one of the following:
- attending work
- seeking medical care
- obtaining essential supplies
- an emergency situation
- departing the State.
Workers operating within the state will also be required to operate under stringent COVID-Safe processes and in accordance with employer's COVID-Safe workplace plans.
Primary Industries Minister Guy Barnett has welcomed the decision, which will potentially see support available ahead of the upcoming harvest season.
"We are working hard to ensure as many Tasmanians as possible can fill these positions, but with an estimated 9000 workers required, it is clear that more are needed to complete the harvest and support our primary producers," said Mr Barnett.
"Experienced and trained workers will play a significant role in supporting Tasmanian workers, many of which will be inexperienced at this work due to taking it up for the first time."
