Guidance on why employers must ask staff before putting them on a public holiday roster
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Cotton Matters
Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott (right) with Deputy Chair Gus O'Brien.
As we come to the end of the year, I want to thank growers across every region for the trust you place in Cotton Australia. Stepping into the Chair’s role in August, after two years as Vice Chair, has reinforced how much this industry relies on strong representation and clear value for levy payers.
On behalf of the Board of Cotton Australia, the management team and all staff, I want to wish growers and their families all the best for the festive season.
Latest News
Our recent grower webinar explored new noise requirements under Work Health and Safety legislation, addressing questions on when hearing tests are needed, how to measure noise on farm, managing exposure for staff and short-term workers, and practical strategies such as hearing protection and exclusion zones.
Employers Must Invite Staff to Work on Public Holidays
A recent Federal Court ruling confirms that employers must ask staff if they want to work on public holidays, rather than simply rostering them on. BHP was found to have breached workplace laws by scheduling workers on Christmas and Boxing Day without giving them a genuine chance to say no. The ruling applies across all industries and highlights the need to balance business needs with staff’s personal time.
The Queensland Government and CRDC have announced a $7.2 million Future Cotton partnership to expand research and extension support in Goondiwindi, Emerald, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. The program will focus on practical RD&E to lift productivity and address key challenges including pest and disease management, insecticide resistance, climate resilience, emissions reduction and AgTech adoption.
Last week, Northern Australia Regional Manager Simone Cameron met with Amelia Vellar, the new CEO of the NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, to discuss the Australian cotton industry, highlighting the development of cotton in the Northern Territory and the opportunities and challenges it presents.
This year, why not celebrate your loved ones with products made from premium Australian cotton. From luxurious comfort to practical everyday must-haves, Aussie cotton offers something for everyone on your list. Here’s our guide to the perfect cotton gifts for 2025.
Cotton Australia is seeking two practical, people-focused Regional Managers: one full-time for Southern NSW, and one part-time for the St George, Dirranbandi, and Mungindi region.
Australia’s reputation for producing clean, low-contaminant cotton is at risk as poor-quality module wraps continue to fail in the field, increasing the chance of plastic entering baled fibre. Choosing reliable, well-tested wrap and checking traceability, RFID performance and local track record are key steps growers and contractors can take to protect fibre quality and maintain market confidence.
News in brief
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The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed a Federal Government decision to extend national Right to Repair reforms to agricultural machinery. The change, confirmed by Treasurer Jim Chalmers after a meeting of state and territory treasurers, will give farmers more choice over how their machinery is serviced and repaired. |
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Managing spray drift is crucial during the high-risk summer months. In this episode of the CottonInfo's Crop to Top podcast, Cotton Australia's policy officer for R&D and Stewardship, Doug McCollum, discusses controlling the controllable, communicating with the community, and the importance of reporting incidents straight away. |
Preventing Spray Drift
The 12 Days of Spray Drift Management
Getting into the Christmas spirit and keen to remind growers to keep spray on-target, the Cottoninfo Regional Extension Officers and Cotton Australia Regional Managers joined together in the 12 Days of Spray Drift Management.
