Industry Labour Agreement

Australia’s economy thrives on the diverse range of industries that contribute to its growth, and in some sectors, businesses face persistent labour shortages. To address these shortages, the Australian Government offers Industry Labour Agreement (ILA), which allow employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill vacancies in specific industries. These agreements come with fixed terms and conditions, and businesses must demonstrate a strong need for skilled workers in their sector. Below, we will dive into several industries that have access to these specialized labour agreements, including aged care, advertising, dairy, fishing, horticulture, meat, minister of religion, pork, restaurant fine dining, and on-hire industries. Read more here

Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement

The Aged Care Industry LA enables Australian aged care providers to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fill direct care roles within the sector. This agreement applies to workers in the following positions:

Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312)
Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313)
Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111)

Employers seeking to utilize this agreement must comply with non-negotiable terms and conditions. Streamlined access is available for employers who have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with relevant industry unions.

Advertising Industry Labour Agreement

The Advertising Industry LA allows employers in the advertising sector to sponsor skilled overseas workers in five key occupations:

Advertising Specialist (ANZSCO 225111)
Graphic Designer (ANZSCO 232411)
Copywriter (ANZSCO 212411)
Multimedia Designer (ANZSCO 232413)
Web Developer (ANZSCO 261212)

Employers must first receive endorsement from the Media Federation of Australia (MFA) and The Communications Council (TCC) to access this agreement. The terms and conditions of the agreement are set and non-negotiable.

Dairy Industry Labour Agreement

The Dairy Industry LA enables employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for roles such as:

Senior Dairy Cattle Farm Worker
Dairy Cattle Farm Operator

These roles require specific tasks, including overseeing milking operations, managing livestock health, and coordinating breeding programs. Workers can be sponsored under temporary or permanent residence options. The Dairy Industry agreement allows workers to stay for up to 4 years or potentially gain permanent residency.

Fishing Industry Labour Agreement

The Fishing Industry LA allows employers in the fishing industry to sponsor skilled overseas workers in the following six positions:

Deck Hand (ANZSCO 899211)
Fishing Hand (ANZSCO 899212)
Master Fisher (ANZSCO 231211)
Ship’s Engineer (Fishing Industry – code 070499)
Ship’s Master (ANZSCO 231213)
Seafood Process Worker (ANZSCO 831313) (available in Category 2 and 3 regional locations only)

Workers in these roles are needed for up to 4 years and may transition to permanent residency. Employers in this industry must meet specific visa requirements and demonstrate a labor shortage in their area.

Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement

The Horticulture Industry LA offers opportunities to sponsor skilled workers in 31 identified occupations, with the agreement typically lasting up to 4 years or leading to permanent residency. This agreement is particularly relevant in regional areas where labor shortages are acute.

Employers must demonstrate a clear need for workers in roles such as Irrigation Designer/Manager and Farm Manager. The Horticulture industry is a significant contributor to Australia’s agricultural sector, and the agreement helps fill critical gaps in regional farming operations.

Meat Industry Labour Agreement

The Meat Industry LA is designed to help employers in the meat processing industry sponsor skilled overseas workers for the position of ‘Skilled Meat Worker’. This agreement allows for both temporary and permanent residence, with a 4-year stay option.

The terms and conditions are non-negotiable, and employers must ensure they meet specific visa requirements, including salary and work experience.

Minister of Religion Industry Labour Agreement

The Minister of Religion Industry Labour Agreement (MoRLA) enables religious organizations to sponsor skilled overseas workers to fulfill roles such as Minister of Religion and Religious Assistant. These positions help support the leadership within religious institutions.

Permanent residency is only immediately available to the most senior Minister of Religion position within the religious institution. The MoRLA’s terms are set and non-negotiable.

On Hire Industry Labour Agreement

The On Hire Industry LA helps businesses that hire workers to other employers. It enables the sponsorship of overseas skilled workers for short-term placements under Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visas. This agreement applies to positions like General Clerk and Electrical Engineer, among others, provided they meet specific labor needs in temporary work assignments.

Pork Industry Labour Agreement

The Pork Industry LA enables employers in the pork sector to sponsor workers in the occupation of ‘senior stockperson (piggery)’. These workers are essential for the handling and processing of pork, particularly in rural areas. Employers must meet the industry-specific labor shortage requirements and demonstrate a commitment to fair working conditions. Workers can be sponsored under temporary or permanent residence pathways.

Restaurant Fine Dining Industry Labour Agreement

The Restaurant (premium dining) Industry LA lets you sponsor skilled overseas workers in Australian premium quality dining restaurants as cooks, chefs, café or restaurant managers and trade waiters for periods of up to 4 years and/or for permanent residence. The terms and conditions of the agreement are set and non-negotiable.

You can only nominate skilled overseas workers in the following Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) positions:

Chef (ANZSCO 351311) – noting this also encompasses a variety of specialised roles/titles
Cook (ANZSCO 351411)
Café or Restaurant Manager (ANZSCO 141111)

Trade Waiter (not in ANZSCO) – noting this also encompasses several specialised roles/titles including but not limited to Sommelier, Maître D etc.

Conclusion

Australia’s Industry Labour Agreements are designed to fill critical labor gaps in various sectors facing skills shortages. These agreements allow employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas in key industries, including aged care, advertising, dairy, fishing, horticulture, meat, minister of religion, pork, restaurant fine dining, and on-hire services. As with any immigration program, employers must adhere to the specific terms and conditions set forth by each agreement, ensuring that they meet the necessary requirements to successfully sponsor overseas workers.

For employers considering utilizing these agreements, it is essential to understand the detailed eligibility criteria, including occupation specifics, salary requirements, and visa options.

Navigating Industry Labour Agreements can be complex, requiring businesses to meet strict eligibility criteria and compliance obligations. Aurelia Legal specializes in guiding employers through this process, ensuring they understand the necessary steps for sponsorship, visa applications, and regulatory compliance. With extensive experience in Australian immigration law, we assist businesses in securing the right workforce while adhering to government regulations. Our expert team provides tailored solutions, helping companies streamline the application process and successfully sponsor skilled overseas workers to meet their labor needs.

DISCLAIMER: This blog is for general information only. Legislation may change from time to time. Please refer to the latest legislation for current details.