Latest news from QFVG
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Casual Conversion for small business employers
From 26 August 2025, eligible casuals employed by a small business can issue a notice to their employer (in writing) to change to full-time or part-time employment under the employee choice pathway.
Right to Disconnect for small business employees
The right to disconnect now applies to employees of small business employers from 26 August 2025. It has applied to employees of non-small business employers since 26 August 2024.
Unlocking the power of DiSC – Toowoomba workshop 15 October
Have you ever thought about what really drives team performance? Or why communication sometimes feels effortless with one person and challenging with another?
Queensland growers show strong compliance – but risks remain
A recently released Fair Work Ombudsman report reveals progress for Queensland horticulture, with standout compliance in the Wide Bay and Moreton Bay, but some regions still rated ‘high risk’.
Rachel Chambers appointed Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner
Some big news for our QFVG family today – our CEO Rachel Chambers has been appointed by the Crisafulli Government as the next Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner.
The Missing Word in Canberra: Food
I’ve just returned from two whirlwind trips to Canberra. The first brought together around fifty industry leaders with eight MPs, three public servants, and a media expert (it sounds like the setup to a bad joke).
New arrivals explore ag life
Since May last year, nearly 480 English-language students at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba Campus have been introduced to the world of agriculture through Growcom’s Agri-Connect program. This opportunity has given students a chance to sample a career in agriculture and see the diversity of employment opportunities available.
Fresh support turns ideas into on-farm action
Growers in the Lockyer, Bremer and Pumicestone catchments are leading the way in land stewardship, with their efforts prompting the Queensland Government to extend funding for the South East Queensland Horticultural Best Management Practice (BMP) Incentive Program.
A well-fed Indo-Pacific is a safe and secure one
This is the core message we heard loud and clear from the National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper released in April this year. For those of us who live and breathe all things food – the realisation that successive Governments have left ‘eating’ out of our own defence strategy was, for me at least, more than a little disappointing.
The Business of Horticulture: round 2 now live!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? The Business of Horticulture course is back – giving Queensland growers practical skills, expert advice, and tailored support to grow smarter, not harder.
Missed IR Unpacked 2025? We’ve got you covered
The recording of our recent webinar with QFVG Partner Who Cares, and workplace relations experts Focus HR is now available to watch on-demand.
From mate to manager: supporting the leadership shift
In many horticulture businesses, leadership doesn’t come through a formal pathway - it’s earned in the paddock - the best picker becomes the supervisor, the most reliable operator steps up to manage a crew, or the longest-serving team member is handed more responsibility.
Wage and super changes now active: what you need to know
The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has confirmed a 3.5% increase to minimum award wages, effective from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2025. Importantly, the updated wage tables for the Horticulture Award 2020 and other relevant modern awards have now been released.
Addressing psychosocial hazards: new employer duties in 2025
Queensland’s workplace safety rules have expanded beyond physical risks to include psychosocial hazards – issues like workplace stress, bullying and harassment, sexual harassment, poor communication, unrealistic expectations, lack of support and toxic organisational cultures.
Better fruit, stronger future: The Australian pineapple industry’s bold steps to grow, improve
From elite pineapple clones to smarter spray systems and a prototype that could reshape the future of pineapple planting - this year’s Elimbah CO-OP Pineapple Field Days (24–25 July, Sunshine Coast) will put practical, grower-led innovation on full display.
FNQ growers talk undercover farming
Protected cropping offers a controlled environment to nurture some of our most delicate and valuable horticulture crops, but it takes infrastructure, technical expertise, and can present challenges around pollination as well as input costs and intensity.
Opening young eyes to the world of ag
From fresh-picked strawberries to high-tech tractors, the journey from paddock to plate relies on an incredible mix of skills, smarts, and dedication. But ask most young people what it means to “work on a farm,” and chances are they’ll say, “picking and packing.”
Everything Ag is flipping that script.
Different roads, shared destination: Cleaner waterways through smart farming
Across Southeast Queensland, a quiet but powerful shift is underway. From Kalbar to Mount Sylvia, local farmers are making smart, sustainable changes that go beyond increasing yields - they’re actively protecting the waterways that run through their communities and into Moreton Bay.
IR Unpacked 2025: Understanding IR Changes & New Minimum Wages
QFVG's Partner Who Cares, and leading workplace advisors, Focus HR provides a full breakdown of what all businesses need to know about the new and significant IR changes and the new minimum wage decision which came into effect on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
From risky to ready: Taking control of farm risks
As a grower, you are your business.
You know it all – from the soil, to the lay of your land, who to call when that tractor plays up, even everyone’s wages.
But what happens if you’re suddenly off-farm? Whether it’s due to illness, injury, a natural disaster, or simply on a long-overdue holiday. How would your business carry on without you?