The Australian cotton industry directly employs approximately 10,000 people in both highly skilled and unskilled jobs and the average cotton farm creates jobs for eight people (four full-time staff, one part-time staff and three casual staff).
A shortage of skilled and unskilled labour is a well documented issue for many agricultural industries in Australia, including cotton. In 2008, the National Farmers Federation predicted around 100,000 farm workers were needed across the rural sector. A 2004 National Agricultural Survey by the Kondinin Group found that almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of the farmers surveyed found sourcing reliable and high-quality permanent farm labour difficult.
The following provides some useful information and resources to assist cotton growers with farm labour issues.
Hiring Good Quality Farm Labour
This RIRDC Report, September 2005, is a practical guide to the recruitment and maintenance of farm labour, including survey results, tips, case studies and contacts. Download the guide here.
Farm Recruitment Guide
For a comprehensive guide on recruiting farm workers, farm induction and retention of workers, go to Rural Skills Australia at www.ruralskills.com.au/FR
National Farmers Federation (NFF) Immigration Liaison Officer
Cotton growers wishing to recruit skilled workers from overseas can seek free guidance from the NFF about the options available, visa requirements, access to the regional concessions available to farmers and advice on visa sub-classes created specifically for agriculture.
Please call 1300 794 000
More information on recruiting overseas workers
For further guidance on employer obligations when taking on overseas employees, visit the compliance page on the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Skilled Labour Needs—Queensland
The Queensland Government (DPI&F) is looking for farmers to help identify training and employment requirements of industry to determine what types of training will be funded. To provide your feedback, please visit the Skills Telegraph to enter your training and skilling workforce needs or contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
