LRTAWA – The impact of Foot and Mouth disease will spread far and wide

LRTAWA by David Fyfe, President, Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Western Australia (Inc)

THE IMPACT OF FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE WILL SPREAD FAR AND WIDE

Confirmation that foot and mouth disease (FMD) is spreading through Indonesia and has reached Australia’s holiday playground in Bali has sent shivers down the spines of those of us whose livelihoods depend on agricultural exports and a healthy livestock industry.

The devastation that will be wreaked by this highly contagious disease goes beyond farmers, livestock transporters, stock agents and vets. Every household will be affected as well as many industries from cities to regions.

Australia's meat export industry would be shut for at least one year, which according to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment would instantly cost $25 billion in export value. Studies have estimated $80 billion in economic losses over 10 years if a medium-to-large-scale FMD outbreak was to occur in Australia.

During the FMD outbreak in the UK in 2001, more than six million sheep, cattle and pigs were slaughtered. Exclusion zones were established around infected areas making travel impossible and tourism plummeted. International trade in UK livestock meat and dairy products was suspended, a general election was delayed for the first time since World War II and major events in the countryside were

New version of the Fair Work Information Statement released

By Graham Lilleyman Director, Employment Services & Solutions Australia

The Fair Work Ombudsman has released and updated version of the Fair Work Information Statement as a result of the Annual Wage Decision adjustment. This document must be given to each new employee when they commence employment.

Also, each new casual employee must be given the current version of the Casual Employee Information Statement.

It is a statutory obligation to provide these documents to new employees and there are potential significant financial penalties which can be imposed on a business if they do not comply with this obligation.

To download the documents go to: https://mcusercontent.com/ d2875633c17d5bd8b959912e7/files/ a5bbc240-24dd-c9bb-32e1-f6acde3e405c/ Fair_Work_Information_Statement_ July_2022.pdf and https://mcusercontent. com/d2875633c17d5bd8b959912e7/ files/15967bbe-e0f9-edcd-a25680543a843f78/Casual_Employment_ Information_Statement_October_ 2021.pdf