Joint media release: Support for tomato industry workers

Minister for Government Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP

The Australian Government is working closely with the South Australian Government to support tomato industry workers stood down due to the impacts of tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and ensuring their financial wellbeing is a priority in what is a difficult time for them and their families.

Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten said workers who have been stood down as a result of quarantine measures, would have access to personalised information about the government payments and services available for their circumstances. 

“Services Australia has stepped in quickly to provide priority access to its specialist Financial Information Services (FIS) Officers, who can provide comprehensive information on termination payments, superannuation and Centrelink payments,” Minister Shorten said. 

“They’ll be working hand-in-hand with the South Australian state government’s taskforce to help these workers through their next steps.

“While this is an evolving situation, the bottom line is that workers impacted should take advantage of the support available through Services Australia, as it’s really important they understand their options.

“Of course income support payments such as Job Seeker may be available, but individual circumstances can impact on eligibility, which is why tailored assistance can be so valuable. 

“The FIS staff are highly knowledgeable and can help those facing uncertainty make the right decisions for their personal situation, for the short and longer term.”

For information on how best to manage your financial situation, call our free Financial Information Service on 132 300.

Services Australia also provides comprehensive services for those that do not speak English as a first language, including free interpreting and translation services in over 200 languages. Customers can call the Multilingual Phone Service on 131 202 or visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/yourlanguage    

Additionally, the Government is also aware that Pacific and Timor-Leste workers engaged under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme are affected by the stand down. Services Australia will provide social workers to connect those affected with further supports. 

The PALM scheme settings require approved employers to have contingency plans in place for unforeseen circumstances. The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is working closely with the approved employer to initiate contingency arrangements including redeployment of impacted PALM workers to ensure that they continue to achieve the benefits of participating in the PALM scheme.  

PALM workers who have concerns or questions should contact DEWR on 1800 51 51 31.

South Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regions is responsible for leading the biosecurity response to the detection of tomato brown rugose fruit virus under the national Emergency Plant Pest Response Deed.

The Australian Government continues to provide support to state and territory governments and domestic industries, and to engage with our trading partners to minimise its impact.

Australia’s biosecurity system is one to be envied, with its strength coming from us all working together and playing our role in protecting Australia from exotic pests, diseases and weeds.

Australia has strong food safety standards and there is no concern for the quality or safety for the purchase of tomatoes. There is no immediate risk to supply chain disruption from the current outbreak in South Australia.