The Tasmanian Liberal Government is slashing red tape preventing our farmers from housing the workforce they need, as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, Michael Ferguson, said amendments to the Residential Tenancy Regulations come into effect today, making it easier for producers to provide on-farm accommodation for workers.
Producers will be able to link a worker's residential lease to a term of employment, simplifying arrangements for the employer and enabling more flexible access to accommodation for on-farm workers," Minister Ferguson said.
"All other protections in the Residential Tenancy Act will continue to apply, including minimum standards for premises, to ensure that housing for agricultural workers is safe and suitable."
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett, welcomed the amendments.
"We've been listening to industry bodies who've made it clear the current red tape makes attracting staff and providing appropriate housing arrangements difficult," Minister Howlett said.
"We want Tasmania to be the best place to do business, so we are making it simpler for farmers to provide housing for their staff, which is especially important in regional areas where there may not be many options available."
Primary Employers Tasmania welcomed the clarity the regulation amendments provide.
"We congratulate the Tasmanian Government for listening and enabling farmers to provide on-farm accommodation for employees without the red-tape," Workplace Relations Director Andrew Cameron said.
"We also look forward to the changes to legislation which will allow more housing to be built and provided to farm workers on-farm."
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is providing the agricultural sector with the certainty that the sector needs under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
While Labor claim to be about jobs, Tasmanians haven't heard whether they will support our farmers and regional communities. Where do they stand?
