The WA Shearing Industry Association held their Annual General Meeting on 20 February 2024 in Belmont. Phil attended the meeting along with Anna, Matilda and Bailiwick's newest solicitor Ciara. The meeting attracted those from all aspects of the industry, who were keen to receive an update about the Live Export Trade and the other challenges that the industry has faced in the last 12-18 months. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Phil and Matilda to address the group on the matter of Work Health and Safety and specifically the changes to the Sex Discrimination Act which now impose a positive duty on employers to eliminate sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and victimization in the workplace. If you are interested in this topic, we have included an article on the changes in this newsletter. 

Evoke Ag 2024

 

Phil, Matilda and Jess attended Agrifutures evokeAG conference held in Perth on 20-21 February 2024. The conference brings together pioneering startups, and ambitious scaleups from all across the world and connects them with producers, innovators, researchers, industry leaders, government bodies, and investors. 

 

While evokeAG was on, the team also had the opportunity to attend side events including the A Buzz with Bees - honey experience and bus tour, the opening ceremony at the Royal Perth Yacht Club and the closing ceremony and BBQ at the WA Museum. 

 

Matilda joined the RRR Network for the Regional Ambassadors Development Program at Curtin University earlier this month. The two day course over 22-23 February was opened by the Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry and Small Business. The Ambassadors learnt about ESG and its associated risk and opportunity, did a deep dive into 'acknowledgment of country', explored the importance of financial literacy and empowering women, how to work with government and influence key decision makers on important issues, worked on personal branding and reputation, got some media training and learnt strategies around innovation and collaboration. At the end of day one the Ambassadors then attended the Gascoyne Sundowner at Gage Roads in Fremantle where they met with the Hon Don Punch, Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering.

 

Phil went to Three Springs early this month to address the Three Springs Farm Innovation Network (3FIN) and discuss windfarms and other renewable projects in WA. 3FIN is a farmer-led group with a vision to create a farming community that is engaged, motivated and forward thinking and will become active in the area of extension, R&D trials, peer to peer learning and motivating farmers in the district. Given the increasing number of proponents that are approaching landowners with wind, solar and other renewable projects the event was a great opportunity to discuss the opportunities and challenges that these projects pose to landowners. 

If you are approached by a wind farm or other proponent it is essential that you seek legal advice from a lawyer who has experience with these projects. 

Featured in Farm Weekly

 

The Human Rights Commission may take action against employers who fail to actively eliminate sexual harassment, discrimination and victimisation in the workplace, as part of a positive duty reform.

Matilda speaks to the FarmWeekly to answer questions about the reform that was introduced under the Sex Discrimination Act in 2022 and the critical change that was made in December 2023 that will impact every employer, including those in agriculture. 

 

Ciara Nalty grew up in Perth and was introduced to the Great Southern after she met her partner, a farmer in Gnowangerup. Ciara undertook her law degree at the University of Notre Dame, and worked in commercial and employment law before moving to Albany to work at Albany Community Legal Centre, where she worked with at-risk and disadvantaged clients.

 

Ciara has now joined Bailiwick Legal as a solicitor.