COVID-19 recession: Chief health officers reject David Littleproud’s agriculture code

Australia’s chief health officers reject David Littleproud’s code that would give farmers free movement across the country.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud’s bid to introduce a national agriculture workers’ code has been dealt a blow after the AHPPC refused to endorse his proposal. Picture: Gary Ramage

Australia’s chief health officers have rejected Agriculture Minister David Littleproud’s code giving farmers free movement across the country, following calls for a set of national rules to let the agriculture industry keep working unimpeded by border closures.

The code was put to the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, chaired by Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, on Tuesday night but The Australian understands the states’ chief health officers did not reach a consensus to endorse the proposal.

Under Mr Littleproud’s suggested code, obtained by The Australian, agriculture workers who crossed government-imposed state borders would be required to have a valid border permit, evidence of their identity and residence, evidence of their work being eligible under the code and a COVID-safe workplace plan.

While travelling, working or off duty, they must carry personal protective equipment when social distancing was not possible, including face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves.

They would also keep and retain records of their movements and contacts with other people, self-isolate where practical and not work while symptomatic until a negative COVID-19 test result was received.

“Penalties for breaching the enforceable measures in this code will be covered as breaches of the relevant state and territories’ public health order and/or emergency management directions for border crossings,” the code states.

The code would cover occu­pations critical to agriculture, including seasonal workers and temporary visa holders.

If a worker covered by the code was refused entry into a state, there would be an “appropriate” appeals process.

Federal government sources could not specify which states did not support the code but said some wanted to resubmit a ­watered-down version, which Mr Littleproud was against.

The code will still be proposed to Scott Morrison in its current form to take to national cabinet on Friday, meaning multiple codes could be considered.

“These border issues are now a real test of our federation,” Mr Littleproud said.

“This is an opportunity for states to show us that federation works for all Australians, not just those in capital cities.”

National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simson has “grave concerns” that national cabinet will fail to deliver an agriculture workers’ code. Such a code would ensure food on Australia’s supermarket shelves, she said.