You may have seen in the media that the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) was detected in the Adelaide Plains in August.
Three SA businesses have been quarantined as infected premises and we’ve advocated for them and other SA tomato, capsicum, and chilli growers to be supported due to some states imposing movement controls on produce coming from South Australia.
The impact of the virus on these businesses also means that around 200 workers are likely to be seeking new employment opportunities, including 30 who are part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
These workers are skilled in picking, pruning, and other crop-related tasks, and some have forklift and driver’s licences.
In addition to an assistance hub set up to help workers impacted by the virus outbreak, there are two organisations assisting them to find new employment.
If your business has entry-level roles or general labour positions, please contact Ms Michelle Scanlan, Local Jobs Program – Adelaide North on 0488 374 234 or Michelle.Scanlan@employmentfacilitator.com.au
For details on the next recruitment session to connect affected workers with local employers contact Michelle or follow Workforce Australia Local Jobs – Adelaide North on Facebook.
If you have a specific interest in the PALM scheme and workers please contact Ms Jess Saulge, National PALMS Manager, MADEC Australia on 0409 823 215 or jsaulge@madec.edu.au
For current information about the virus and the State Government’s response please visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) website.
- Author Cathi Buttfield: Senior Policy Adviser
