Advocacy & Representation
ACCC - Inquiry into perishable goods
GIA made a submission to the ACCC inquiry into perishable agricultural goods following consultation with State NGI Associations, GIA members and other industry participants. The inquiry sought to obtain and assess views on how the relative bargaining power of farmers, processors and retailers involved in supply chains for perishable agricultural goods affects trading practices. GIA made the submission on behalf of the greenlife and nursery sector supply chains, given the perishability of plants and nursery stock. The submission provided details on the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers across the greenlife supply chains. Download the report
Royal Commission into Natural Disaster Arrangements
GIA made a submission to the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements, primarily with a focus on bushfires was made. It focused on the greenlife industry's ability to contribute to preparation, mitigation, response and recovery coordination for national natural disaster arrangements in Australia. GIA also began working with Greening Australia on Project Phoenix to support rewilding and regeneration of bushfire affected areas across the country.
Coronavirus Response
Staff and Directors immediately acted at the onset of the coronavirus, utilising existing federal government and departmental relationships; and rapidly establishing communication pathways with federal ministerial advisers to provide critical data, impact forecasts, international case studies and contingency information to the National Cabinet. Efforts were amplified through GIA's relationship with the National Farmers Federation (NFF) Hort Council ensuring the industry’s message was captured in the essential service framework.
Nursery Award 2020
In February 2020, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) completed an extensive review process to existing awards including the Nursery Award. No sooner had the Award review been completed then COVID-19 pandemic struck. Greenlife Industry Australia supported through the FWC, worked to vary the Award to include the model clauses for unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave at half pay, to assist businesses manage and maintain staff during the pandemic.
Clearing quarantine block
Greenlife Industry Australia utilised its relationships with the federal Department of Agriculture to resolve a significant delay for importers of tissue culture resulting in the imported tissue culture perishing before growers could access it. The impact on growers was expensive and affected productivity. A collaborative effort with state coordinators led by GIA's National Biosecurity Manger, John McDonald resolved the matter rapidly at the highest levels within the federal department.