Payne's Farm Contracting has a core group of employees who have worked with us since 2013, they have been hand-picked and supported to form the backbone of our team.
Many growers and horticulturists have seen numerous media reports of the exploitation of oversees workers on Australian farms, this has caused considerable embarrassment and has tarnished our industry's image and reputation. We believe that our staff work hard and deserve to be paid fairly. All of our staff are thoroughly checked to ensure their legal status and are therefore entitled to the same protections as local workers. Companies that engage Payne's Farm Contracting to work for them can do so in the full confidence that our treatment of workers is fair and reasonable, we set the rates for pruning, tree rates, piece work or hourly payments to ensure the staff receive the award rate – at a minimum.
Payne’s Farm Contracting wish to take the opportunity to re-assure our clients that our treatment and payment to our staff is fair, lawful and honourable. Please take a moment to review our structure –
Payne’s Farm Contracting’s accounts and payroll are managed through the Xero accounting platform which is directly linked to the Australian Taxation Office and is monitored by professionals from Southern Cross Business Advisors. Submission of Tax File Numbers and personal details of our employees are automatically relayed to the ATO and we receive immediate notification if there are any discrepancies or errors in the information submitted.
Payne’s Farm Contracting monitors Visa conditions of our staff through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) service of the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Most of our customers pay by direct credit to our Business Account at the Bendigo Bank, for those that pay by cheque, these deposits are also made to the Business Account. All of our business transactions are transparent and lawful.
The rates we pay for piece work are set to comply with the Award Conditions of 15 % above the Award for the ‘average, competent person’ after trials and pricing has been negotiated with the site Management. All of our staff are equipped with the best possible equipment and given adequate training, support and supervision to be able to earn the set rate, indeed many exceed the rate through hard work and experience.
Payne’s Farm Contracting holds all of the relevant insurances required including WorkCover (administered by CGU), Public Liability, Third Party, Business Insurance, Landlord Insurance and insurance for chemical spraying. The bulk of our insurances are administered by Gallagher Insurance.
Payne’s Farm Contracting’s staff receive thorough induction and training into all aspects of our business and the work they will do. Safety training is a regular occurrence and staff regularly attend work place meetings and receive updates via text, email and payroll messages.
