Awards/Pastoral

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What experience counts as industry experience?

MA000035All business streamsAll employment types

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Quick explanation

Previously reviewed explanation — check official wording before use

Count any experience in the industry described by clause 4.2 when the Award uses “experience in the industry”.

Check the conditions

  • Check the particular classification too: some levels require relevant adult, feedlot, pig-breeding or station-hand experience rather than using only this general phrase.
Read the official wording and citations

Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman

FWC · MA000035 · Clause 2

2. Definitions

[Varied by PR734194, PR774744, PR777262, PR795663]

In this award, unless the contrary intention appears:

Act means the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

all purposes means the payment will be included in the rate of pay of an employee who is entitled to the allowance, when calculating any penalties or loadings or payment while they are on annual leave (see clause 18.2(a)).

broadacre field crops means grains, seeds, grasses, silage, legumes, fibre, flowers, and other crops grown as part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise.

broadacre mixed farming enterprise:

 means a farming enterprise consisting of the growing of broadacre field crops as defined;

 includes the rearing, management, and grazing of livestock;

 means a farming enterprise which combines both; or

 means a farming enterprise which in addition to any of the above grows other crops, for the purposes of crop rotation or the rearing, management, and grazing of livestock as part of a mixed farming enterprise.

[Definition of casual employee inserted by PR734194 from 27Sep21; varied by PR777262 from 27Aug24]

casual employee has the meaning given by section 15A of the Act.

NOTE: Section 15A of the Act was amended with effect from 26 August 2024. Under clause 102(3) of Schedule 1 to the Act, an existing employee who was a casual employee of an employer under section 15A as it was immediately before that date is taken to be a casual employee of the employer for the purposes of section 15A after that date.

casual pieceworker means a Shearer, Crutcher or Woolpresser engaged as a casual employee and paid the piecework rates in accordance with Part 9—Shearing Operations.

crutching includes all the operations for which rates are prescribed in this award. The meanings of the words crutch, Crutcher and crutched are similarly extended.

cut out means the completion of the shearing or crutching of the last sheep shorn or crutched at the termination of the shed.

defined benefit member has the meaning given by the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

double-fleeced means a sheep carrying 2 years’ fleece.

employee means national system employee within the meaning of the Act.

[Definition of employee organisation inserted by PR774744; substituted retrospectively by PR795663 ppc 01Jul24]

employee organisation has the meaning given by section 12 of the Act.

employer means national system employer within the meaning of the Act.

[Definition of enterprise inserted by PR774744 from 01Jul24]

enterprise has the meaning given by section 12 of the Act.

exempt public sector superannuation scheme has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).

expeditionary employee means a woolclasser or Shearing shed expert who commences on the day as agreed for commencing shearing and resides on the property for the duration of the shearing. Expeditionary employees are entitled to free board and lodging.

experience in the industry means all and any experience in the industry as described in clause 4.2 of this award.

farm and livestock hand means an employee performing the work described in the classifications which apply to such work in Part 6—Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations of this award and who is not a piggery attendant, poultry worker or any employee classified under Part 9—Shearing Operations.

found employees are employees who are supplied with up to 5 meals per day during the course of shearing or crutching; such meals are to be provided by the employer together with suitable accommodation.

keep is where a farm and livestock hand is employed on the ‘with keep’ rate as prescribed in this award, ‘keep’ will mean good and sufficient living accommodation and good and sufficient rations of sufficient quantity; sound, well-cooked and properly served by the cook or the cook’s offsider; but it will not include accommodation under a roof or cooking when circumstances render such accommodation or cooking impracticable.

livestock means all animals used in primary production including insects.

MySuper product has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).

NES means the National Employment Standards as contained in sections 59 to 131 of the Act.

on-hire means the on-hire of an employee by their employer to a client, where such employee works under the general guidance and instruction of the client or a representative of the client.

ordinary hourly rate means the minimum hourly rate for an employee’s classification specified in clauses 32, 37, 47 and 51—Minimum rates plus any allowances specified as being included in the employee’s ordinary hourly rate or payable for all purposes.

pastoral industry has the meaning given in clause 4.2.

piggery attendant means an employee who is employed by an employer who is exclusively, wholly or substantially engaged in the raising and breeding of pigs, and who performs duties described in the classifications in Part 7—Pig Breeding and Raising of this award.

poultry worker means an employee who is employed by an employer who is exclusively, wholly or substantially engaged in the raising and breeding of poultry, and who performs duties described in the classifications in Part 8—Poultry Farming of this award.

ram stags are rams that have been castrated when they are 18 months or older.

rams are male sheep that are more than 6 months old.

shearing is where:

 the employee takes off the belly wool first and lays it aside, and, when required by the employer, the employee shears over the tail when shearing the first side; and

 in opening the fleece at the neck and belly, the machine or both blades of the shears will be kept under the wool and close to the skin, so as to avoid twice cutting and where the employee does not run the machine or shears through the fleece so as to break it down the centre or the back.

shearing cook means an employee who cooks for 6 or more employees who are engaged for shearing or crutching operations.

shearing shed expert or expert means an employee who is competent to perform experting duties at a shearing shed as described in clause 50.8 in accordance with the requirements of the employer or a representative (such requirements to be specified at the time of engagement).

shed means shearing shed or, in relation to crutching work performed other than at a shed, the property, station or location where crutching work is or will be undertaken.

silviculture and afforestation means planting, pruning, fertilising and any other activity in or in connection with the establishment or cultivation of trees in forests.

[Definition of small business employer inserted by PR774744 from 01Jul24]

small business employer has the meaning given by section 23 of the Act.

standard rate means the hourly rate payable to a farm and livestock hand level 2 in clause 32.1.

station cook means an employee who cooks for station hands and/or other station personnel.

stud ewes are ewes with tags in their ears from which rams are bred for sale or station use. The term does not include ewes of the flock which have tags in their ears for the purpose of identification other than for stud purposes.

wet place means a place where the clothing of the employee becomes wet or a place where the employee has to stand in water or slush so that the employee’s footwear becomes saturated.

woolclasser means a person who is registered as such and who is employed in or in conjunction with a shearing operation. A woolclasser who performs the additional duty of shearing shed experting at the one shearing will, for the purposes of this award, be deemed to be employed as a woolclasser and not as an expert.

woolpresser means a person who presses wool shorn or crutched; weighs, brands and stores the wool; presses and closes the bales; and performs additional duties as directed.

[Definition of workplace delegate inserted by PR774744 from 01Jul24]

workplace delegate has the meaning given by section 350C(1) of the Act.

Complete top-level clause extracted from the checked official consolidated text, including the available subordinate paragraphs and tables. Source wording and official numbering retained; whitespace/table layout normalised. AI source-checked for this user-authorised local release; no human professional review.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2026. Fair Work Commission. Consolidated Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Quotations retain source wording; whitespace/table formatting is normalised for display. Personal/non-commercial or internal use only under the FWC copyright notice. Quick Award explanations are separate AI source-checked text; no government endorsement.

Official document
Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Version
This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799316 and PR799473). ↗
Citation verified
Operative note
Based on the current consolidated Award text incorporating amendments up to and including 1 July 2026. That consolidation date is not the commencement date of every provision; check the relevant variation and operative conditions when assessing an earlier period.

Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman

FWC · MA000035 · Clause 4

4. Coverage

4.1 This industry award applies to employers throughout Australia in the pastoral industry and their employees in the classifications set out in this award to the exclusion of any other modern award.

4.2 Pastoral industry means all employers and employees who are engaged in or in connection with:

(a) the management, breeding, rearing or grazing of livestock or poultry;

(b) the shearing and crutching of sheep and the classing and pressing of wool on farms;

(c) dairying;

(d) hatchery work;

(e) the sowing, raising or harvesting of broadacre field crops and other crops grown as part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise;

(f) the treatment of land for any of these purposes; or

(g) clearing, fencing, well sinking, dam sinking or trenching on such farms or properties.

4.3 Without limiting the generality of the exclusion, this award does not cover employees covered by:

(a) the Aquaculture Industry Award 2020, except where the production of freshwater species is incidental to a broadacre mixed farming enterprise to which this award would otherwise apply;

(b) the Horticulture Award 2020;

(c) the Seafood Processing Award 2020, except where the production of freshwater species is incidental to a broadacre mixed farming enterprise to which this award would otherwise apply;

(d) the Silviculture Award 2020, except where carried on as a part of a broadacre mixed farming enterprise;

(e) the Sugar Industry Award 2020; and

(f) the Wine Industry Award 2020.

4.4 This award does not cover:

(a) employees excluded from award coverage by the Act.

(b) employees who are covered by a modern enterprise award or an enterprise instrument (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees; or

(c) employees who are covered by a State reference public sector modern award or a State reference public sector transitional award (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees.

4.5 This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis in the pastoral industry in respect of on-hire employees in classifications covered by this award, and those on-hire employees, while engaged in the performance of work for a business in that industry. Clause 4.5 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.6 This award covers employers which provide group training services for trainees engaged in the pastoral industry and/or parts of that industry and those trainees engaged by a group training service hosted by a company to perform work at a location where the activities described herein are being performed. Clause 4.6 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.7 Where an employer is covered by more than one award, an employee of that employer is covered by the award classification which is most appropriate to the work performed by the employee and to the environment in which the employee normally performs the work.

NOTE: Where there is no classification for a particular employee in this award it is possible that the employer and that employee are covered by an award with occupational coverage.

Complete top-level clause extracted from the checked official consolidated text, including the available subordinate paragraphs and tables. Source wording and official numbering retained; whitespace/table layout normalised. AI source-checked for this user-authorised local release; no human professional review.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2026. Fair Work Commission. Consolidated Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Quotations retain source wording; whitespace/table formatting is normalised for display. Personal/non-commercial or internal use only under the FWC copyright notice. Quick Award explanations are separate AI source-checked text; no government endorsement.

Official document
Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Version
This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799316 and PR799473). ↗
Citation verified
Operative note
Based on the current consolidated Award text incorporating amendments up to and including 1 July 2026. That consolidation date is not the commencement date of every provision; check the relevant variation and operative conditions when assessing an earlier period.

Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman

FWC · MA000035 · Clause 31

31. Classifications

[Varied by PR781364]

31.1 Farm and livestock hand level 1 (FLH1)

An employee at this level includes:

[31.1(a) varied by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(a) Station hand with less than 6 months’ experience in the industry;

[31.1(b) varied by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(b) Station cook with less than 6 months’ experience in the industry;

[31.1(c) varied by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(c) Station cook’s offsider with less than 6 months’ experience in the industry; and

[31.1(d) substituted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(d) Cattle farm worker grade A who:

 works under direct supervision either individually or in a team environment;

 understands and undertakes basic quality control/assurance procedures including the ability to recognise basic quality deviations/faults;

 understands and utilises basic statistical process control procedures; and

 has less than 6 months’ experience in the industry (after which the employee will progress to Cattle farm worker grade B).

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this grade may perform are the following:

 routine mustering;

 routine fence repairs;

 aerial stock sighting;

 repetitive packing and/or unpacking; and

 kitchen/cooking assistance not involving food preparation.

(e) Feedlot employee level 1 with less than 3 months’ experience in the industry.

[31.1(f) varied by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(f) Dairy operator grade 1A with less than 6 months’ experience in the industry who:

 uses their knowledge and skills to perform set procedures such as milking and attending to livestock, haymaking, fencing.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 operate milking plant and equipment in a safe manner;

 identify and report equipment not operating normally;

 work co-operatively as part of a team;

 read and record instrument information i.e. milk vat temperatures and cow numbers; and

 understand the principles of safe working.

31.2 Farm and livestock hand level 2 (FLH2)

An employee at this level includes:

[New 31.2(a) inserted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(a) Station hand with 6 to 12 months’ experience in the industry.

[New 31.2(b) inserted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(b) Station cook with more than 6 months’ experience in the industry.

[31.2(c) inserted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(c) Station cook’s offsider with more than 6 months’ experience in the industry.

[31.2(a) renumbered as 31.2(d) by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(d) Cattle farm worker grade B who:

 performs work above and beyond the skills of a cattle farm worker grade A and to the level of their training;

 is responsible for the quality of their own work subject to routine supervision;

 works under routine supervision either individually or in a team environment; and

 exercises discretion within their level of skills and training.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 receive, check, despatch and record goods received and sent;

 assist a tradesperson;

 basic non-trades daily maintenance of equipment used by the employee;

 sort and cut out stock;

 sort and brand yarded stock;

 fence repairs;

 kitchen/cooking assistance not involving unsupervised food preparation;

 boundary riding;

 forklift, overhead crane, winch or tractor operation; and

 household domestic work other than childcare or child education.

[31.2(b) renumbered as 31.2(e) by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(e) Feedlot employee grade 1 with more than 3 months’ experience in the industry who:

 works under direct supervision with regular checking of their work.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 perform cattle handling procedures;

 perform cattle health and welfare procedures;

 assist with euthanasing livestock;

 assist with performance of cattle post-mortem procedures;

 transport, handle and store chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 prepare and apply chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 operate moving plant and equipment competently and efficiently;

 perform grain processing procedures;

 perform feed manufacture and delivery procedures;

 perform hygiene and housekeeping procedures associated with the primary work area;

 perform feedlot and environment maintenance procedures;

 possess understanding of industry quality assurance programs and all site operating procedures; and

 carry out workplace work health and safety procedures.

[31.2(f) inserted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(f) Dairy operator grade 1A with 6 to 12 months’ experience in the industry.

31.3 Farm and livestock hand level 3 (FLH3)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Station hand who:

 has at least 12 months’ experience in the industry as a station hand; but

 does not conform to the definition of senior station hand (FLH5) in clause 31.5.

(b) Dairy operator grade 1B with 12 months’ experience in the industry who:

 uses their knowledge and skills to perform set procedures such as milking and attending to livestock, haymaking, fencing.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 operate milking plant and equipment, in a safe manner;

 identify and report equipment not operating normally;

 work co-operatively as part of a team;

 read and record instrument information i.e. milk vat temperatures and cow numbers; and

 understands the principles of safe working.

31.4 Farm and livestock hand level 4 (FLH4)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Feedlot employee level 2 who:

 has 2 years’ experience in the feedlot industry; and

 works under routine supervision with intermittent checking of their work.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 utilise ability to make independent work decisions at this level;

 perform cattle handling procedures;

 perform cattle health and welfare procedures;

 euthanase livestock;

 perform cattle post-mortem procedures;

 select livestock for specific markets;

 transport, handle and store chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 prepare and apply chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 operate moving plant and equipment competently and efficiently;

 perform grain processing procedures;

 perform feed manufacture and delivery procedures;

 perform hygiene and housekeeping procedures associated with the primary work area;

 perform feedlot and environment maintenance procedures;

 possess understanding of industry quality assurance programs and all site operating procedures; and

 carry out workplace work health and safety procedures.

31.5 Farm and livestock hand level 5 (FLH5)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Dairy operator grade 2 who:

 has 2 years’ experience in the industry;

 uses their knowledge and skills to multiple operations involving basic levels of problem solving and decision making; and

 has an appreciation of the overall processes involved in a dairy farm.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 operate milking plant and equipment, undertake multiple functions, produce a quality outcome e.g. farm machinery;

 maintain machinery, undertake adjustments and size changes;

 solve problems and make decisions within given guidelines;

 know general scientific terminology and assist with processes such as machine repair, artificial insemination, fertiliser mix design etc.;

 operate standard measuring equipment;

 operate computerised systems using menu options;

 contribute to the team in a specific role, providing input and assisting other team members; and

 work at times without supervision.

(b) Senior station hand is an employee who:

 has at least 2 years’ experience in the industry; and

 is capable of performing efficiently without supervision any of the tasks reasonably required of them.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 drive, maintain and operate farm vehicles and machinery;

 animal husbandry;

 stock handling;

 irrigation work; and

 use of chemicals.

31.6 Farm and livestock hand level 6 (FLH6)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Feedlot employee level 3 who:

 has Certificate III qualifications;

 has worked in the feedlot industry for at least 2 years; and

 works with limited supervision with checking of their work related to overall progress.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 utilise ability to make independent work decisions;

 utilise Certificate III qualifications daily in the employee’s primary work area;

 perform cattle handling procedures;

 perform cattle health and welfare procedures;

 euthanase livestock;

 perform cattle post-mortem procedures;

 select livestock for specific markets;

 transport, handle and store chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 prepare and apply chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 operate moving plant and equipment competently and efficiently;

 perform grain processing procedures;

 perform feed manufacture and delivery procedures;

 perform hygiene and housekeeping procedures associated with the primary work area;

 perform feedlot and environment maintenance procedures;

 possess understanding of industry quality assurance programs and all site operating procedures; and

 carry out workplace work health and safety procedures.

31.7 Farm and livestock hand level 7 (FLH7)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Senior dairy operator grade 1 who:

 uses their knowledge and skills to coordinate the operation of a farm process or area of expertise e.g. milking and animal attendance, pasture and farm maintenance, breeding programs and artificial insemination area.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 overview of all farm operations;

 show strong planning and organising abilities, develop work plans to achieve objectives;

 operate computer equipment and software packages requiring set-up and basic function operation;

 maintain equipment requiring modification, part replacement and overhauls;

 gather information, generate a range of options and implement a course of action to solve problems;

 demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the dairy industry monitoring the industry through literature;

 use measuring equipment requiring calibration and measurement conversion;

 use established scientific processes in at least one area of specification;

 co-operate with other team members, establish priorities and work goals; and

 work with others to develop their competencies.

(b) Feedlot employee level 4 who:

 has Certificate III qualifications;

 has worked in the feedlot industry for at least 2 years; and

 works with limited supervision with checking of their work related to overall progress.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 utilise ability to make independent work decisions;

 utilise Certificate III qualifications daily in the employee’s primary work area;

 perform cattle handling procedures (where livestock operation is the primary work area);

 perform cattle health and welfare procedures (where livestock operation is the primary work area);

 euthanase livestock (where livestock operation is the primary work area);

 perform cattle post-mortem procedures (where livestock operation is the primary work area);

 select livestock for specific markets;

 transport, handle and store chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 prepare and apply chemicals applicable to primary work area;

 operate moving plant and equipment competently and efficiently;

 perform grain processing procedures (where feeding and milling operations is the primary work area);

 perform feed manufacture and delivery procedures (where feeding and milling operations is the primary work area);

 perform hygiene and housekeeping procedures associated with the primary work area;

 perform feedlot and environment maintenance procedures (where feedlot and environment maintenance operations is the primary work area);

 possess understanding of industry quality assurance programs and all site operating procedures;

 carry out workplace work health and safety procedures.

31.8 Farm and livestock hand level 8 (FLH8)

An employee at this level includes:

(a) Senior dairy operator grade 2 who:

 under the direction of the owner or manager uses their expertise and skills in order to supervise and maintain the operation of a dairy farm.

Indicative of the tasks which an employee at this level may perform are the following:

 set and monitor work goals;

 anticipate potential problems/issues and determine the best course of action;

 approach the resolution of conflict using objectivity and reason, differentiating between the two;

 supervise other grades;

 where appropriate, seek to develop team performance and cohesion, taking into account competencies and the needs of team members;

 keep abreast of dairy industry trends and changes;

 where necessary, exercise foresight in relation to farm needs and make recommendations to farm management; and

 operate scientific processes necessary to achieve farm objectives.

Complete normalized source clause. Exact snapshot/raw integrity checked; explanation review status is recorded separately on each entry. Parent-clause citation does not establish exhaustive paragraph coverage.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2026. Fair Work Commission. Consolidated Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman. Quotations retain source wording; whitespace/table formatting is normalised for display. Personal/non-commercial or internal use only under the FWC copyright notice. Quick Award explanations are separate AI source-checked text; no government endorsement.

Official document
Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Version
This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799316 and PR799473). ↗
Citation verified
Operative note
Based on the current consolidated Award text incorporating amendments up to and including 1 July 2026. That consolidation date is not the commencement date of every provision; check the relevant variation and operative conditions when assessing an earlier period.

Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman

FWC · MA000035 · Clause 36

36. Classifications

[Varied by PR781364]

36.1 General duties

(a) A piggery attendant at all classification levels may be required to undertake any duty or combination of duties listed below, as may be required at each enterprise, to the full limit of the employee’s ability, training and/or licensing:

 apply and adhere to quarantine control procedures;

 clean and maintain protective footwear and clothing;

 clean and maintain administration and amenities buildings and associated fittings and equipment;

 maintain an adequate environment for the well-being of stock;

 clean accommodation pens, fittings and equipment;

 provide feed and water for stock;

 tend to routine husbandry of all stock;

 apply animal identification systems;

 move, draft and weigh stock;

 remove and dispose of effluent;

 dispose of deceased stock;

 mix and mill feed;

 care for sick or injured stock;

 maintain herd health status at an acceptable level;

 operate farm-related vehicles, plant, machinery and equipment (if appropriately licensed);

 detect oestrous and mate breeding stock;

 diagnose pregnancy in breeding stock;

 assist sows and piglets at farrowing;

 remove faulty or damaged equipment and fittings;

 install new or replacement equipment and fittings;

 maintain a recording system and interpret data;

 transport stock, feed and equipment (if appropriately licensed);

 maintain sheds, fixtures and fittings, fences and surrounds;

 maintain machinery and equipment; and

 perform other duties as required.

(b) Piggery attendants at all levels including PA3 and above may additionally be required to:

 select replacement breeding stock;

 make decisions on drug usage;

 destroy sick or injured stock in a humane manner;

 conduct post mortem examinations of deceased stock;

 order stores and equipment; and

 perform other duties as required.

36.2 Piggery attendant level 1 (PA1)

(a) A piggery attendant level 1 (PA1) is:

 an employee undertaking up to 38 hours’ induction training which may include information on the enterprise, conditions of employment, introduction to supervisors and fellow workers, training and career path opportunities, farm layout, production program, work and record keeping procedures and work health and safety; or

 any person employed as general hand in a general capacity to perform basic tasks such as moving the stock from place to place, cleaning the establishment and the feeding of stock.

(b) An employee at this level:

 is generally a new recruit to the industry who performs simple or routine tasks essentially of a manual nature and to the level of their training;

 exercises minimal skills, knowledge and decision making;

 works under direct supervision, and is given regular direction or guidance and whose results are constantly monitored;

 is undertaking structured training so as to enable them to work at PA2 level; and

 after adequate instruction the employee, may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

[36.2(c) inserted by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(c) Within a period of 3 months, the employee will be reclassified to Piggery attendant level 2 (PA2).

36.3 Piggery attendant level 2 (PA2)

[36.3(a) varied by PR781364 ppc 01Apr25]

(a) A piggery attendant level 2 (PA2) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer to this level who has completed up to 3 months’ employment at PA1 level so as to enable the employee to work within the scope of this level.

(b) An employee at this level:

 may have limited experience in the pig industry, and generally performs simple straightforward tasks, using well established techniques and practices in pig husbandry;

 exercises skills requiring some knowledge of established techniques and minimal routine decision making;

 works under frequent direct supervision and guidance;

 has work regularly inspected and the final result usually checked; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

36.4 Piggery attendant level 3 (PA3)

(a) A piggery attendant level 3 (PA3) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer to this level; and

 who performs a range of different but straightforward tasks using well established techniques and practices under routine supervision.

(b) An employee at this level:

 exercises skills requiring knowledge or relevant experience in piggery procedures and is required to make decisions within the employee’s knowledge and competence on day-to-day management of pigs;

 works under general supervision, is responsible for the quality of their own work and receives limited guidance relating to more unusual features or new tasks;

 may work individually or as part of a team, or may supervise the duties of employees at an equal or lower level;

 may be subject to routine performance checks; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

36.5 Piggery attendant level 4 (PA4)

(a) A piggery attendant level 4 (PA4) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer to this level; and

 who has completed a minimum of:

 one year of adult relevant experience in the industry;

 an accredited stockperson training course certificate; or

 equivalent formal training recognised by the employer, plus 6 months’ relevant adult experience in the industry.

(b) An employee at this level:

 performs a range of straightforward tasks using well established techniques and practices under limited supervision and is responsible for maintaining the quality and quantity of their work;

 exercises skills requiring sound knowledge of and experience in piggery procedures and requires instruction only on management decisions that vary from established practices and principles;

 exercises some individual judgment and initiative within established principles and practices;

 may work individually or as part of a team or may supervise the duties of employees at an equal or lower level;

 assists in the provision of on-the-job training to a limited degree; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

36.6 Piggery attendant level 5 (PA5)

(a) A piggery attendant level 5 (PA5) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer to this level who has completed a minimum of:

 2 years’ adult relevant experience in the industry; or

 an accredited apprenticeship or equivalent formal training plus one year of relevant adult experience in the industry.

(b) An employee at this level:

 performs a range of tasks using well established techniques and practices under minimal supervision and is responsible for maintaining the quality and quantity of work undertaken individually or as part of a team;

 exercises skills requiring sound knowledge of and experience in piggery procedures and displays considerable individual judgment and initiative within established principles and practices;

 may work individually or as part of a team or may supervise and co-ordinate the duties of employees at an equal or lower level;

 understands and applies quality control techniques; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

36.7 Senior piggery attendant level 6 (PA6)

(a) A Senior piggery attendant level 6 (PA6) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer who has completed a minimum of:

 3 years’ relevant adult experience in the industry; or

 an accredited traineeship or equivalent formal training plus 2 years’ relevant adult experience in the industry.

(b) An employee at this level:

 performs a range of tasks that may vary from established techniques and practices under minimal supervision and guidance and must be competent in all facets of duties required;

 may be required to work alone, lead work units and/or co-ordinate, supervise and/or train new employees;

 may require extensive individual judgment and initiative within established management guidelines;

 understands and applies quality control and assurance techniques;

 may supervise and/or train employees at all levels up to and including PA5; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

36.8 Senior piggery attendant level 7 (PA7)

(a) A Senior piggery attendant level 7 (PA7) is:

 an employee appointed by the employer who has completed a minimum of:

 3 years’ adult experience in the pig breeding industry; and

 has completed the New South Wales Technical and Further Education Rural Trades Course or other Trades Certificate and/or course(s) accredited and recognised by the Pig Industry Training Council.

(b) An employee at this level:

 performs a range of tasks relating to the purchase, installation and programmed maintenance of plant, fittings and fixtures and mechanical, hydraulic or electrical equipment and machinery;

 exercises discretion within the scope of this level and the employee’s qualifications/training;

 provides trade guidance and assistance to levels PA5 and PA6 as part of a work team;

 works with minimal direction or supervision and is responsible for the quality of their own work;

 exercises trade skills relevant to the requirements of the level;

 co-ordinates and supervises non-trades employees within a work team; and

 may be required to undertake any task(s) listed in clause 36.1.

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Pastoral Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
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This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799316 and PR799473). ↗
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Based on the current consolidated Award text incorporating amendments up to and including 1 July 2026. That consolidation date is not the commencement date of every provision; check the relevant variation and operative conditions when assessing an earlier period.
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