Farm Workers Jobs in Australia For Foreigners
There are a variety of farm jobs available for foreigners in Australia. Whether you're seeking an income in the tropical north or the dry Outback, you can find a suitable job in the country's agricultural sector. You can also find seasonal farm jobs at any time of year.
Mango picking jobs
For those looking for a seasonal fruit picking job, the Northern Territory offers many opportunities. The best time to work is during the mango and melons harvesting season, between May and November. Bananas and citrus fruits are also grown in the area and are harvestable throughout the year.
Mango picking is a physically demanding job that requires a healthy lifestyle and health insurance. The hours can range from early morning to mid-afternoon. As a result, it's important to be physically fit and have the proper protection against the hot summers. You will need a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and long pants to protect your skin from the heat.
Finding harvest work is simple if you know the right time to go to Australia. There are lots of harvest jobs during the peak season, but it's important to get there early enough to get the best opportunity.
Manual harvesting work
Manual harvesting jobs usually require little experience, but they require a healthy body and can be physically demanding. These tasks require lifting, bending, and carrying heavy objects. In some instances, manual harvesting jobs require a foreigner to hunch over for long periods of time.
Some farms use labour hire companies to source workers for harvesting work. A list of licensed labour hire companies can be found on the Labour Hire Authority website. While most training is simple, it's helpful to have a record of your training. This way, the employer can find the most suitable worker.
Some researchers liken farmworkers' skills to a form of craft. They compare farmworkers' tacit knowledge to that of artisans and factory workers. This is in stark contrast to the view that farmworkers are low-skilled manual workers.
Other farm jobs include handling, fencing, and grain lines. Farm workers may also work in solar farms, installing solar panels, and more. Solar farms may also require electricians and truck drivers. This work is usually seasonal, and you can inquire in advance to avoid missing out on the best positions.
Hourly wage
One of the most significant changes to agricultural wages in Australia is a new minimum wage system. This means that workers who pick fruit and vegetables will receive a minimum guaranteed rate of pay. This change follows a ruling from the Fair Work Commission late last year. This is likely to increase the price of fruits and vegetables in Australia.
In addition, employers must pay piece rates that are high enough to enable competent workers to earn more than the minimum wage. This will ensure that workers are paid a fair rate and prevent vulnerable workers from being paid less than the minimum wage. Furthermore, employers must comply with the law by paying piece rates that are 15% above the minimum wage.
However, this system is not perfect. Farm workers are still exposed to exploitation. The Australian Workers Union and the United Workers Union have highlighted the problem of insecure work that leaves employees vulnerable to exploitation. This is why it is crucial to improve basic systems such as single-touch payroll and farm visas. Additionally, it is vital to create a digital platform where farmers can find and manage foreign workers.
Pay scale
The pay scale for farm jobs varies depending on the level of experience and skills. A basic entry level salary is around AU$ 19 per hour, but an experienced worker can earn more than AU$30 per week. You'll usually receive accommodation and food while working in Australia, and your package can range from $200 to $400.
However, some farm workers in Australia are making less than a dollar an hour. A study carried out by Unions NSW and the Migrant Workers Centre found that one in three Australian horticulture workers reported underpay at some point. Some workers reported being underpaid more than once, while others reported receiving less than $7 an hour.
The Department of Home Affairs offers an excellent resource for finding farm work in Australia. Its Harvest Trail website allows you to search by crop and location, and includes an interactive map. The website also features job board sites and a crop-specific directory.