• Legislation & regulations

Providers operating in the horticulture industry should be aware of new definitions and minimum pay rates for entry-level classifications in the Horticulture Award that came into effect from 1 April 2025.

The changes set new time limits for introductory classifications in the Horticulture Award. Level 1 employees must progress to Level 2 after no more than three calendar months of experience within the horticulture industry. This is not limited to experience with a single task, crop or employer.

Employees are not required to work a set number of hours in the three-month period or keep a record of their hours worked to show that they have industry experience.

Other changes also apply, including new indicative tasks for Level 2 employees under the Horticulture Award.

From 1 April 2025, the indicative duties for Level 2 employees include some of the duties that previously applied only to Level 1 employees. The duties are:

• performing general labouring duties
• fruit or vegetable picking, thinning or pruning
• operating small towing tractor engaged in transfer of produce bins and other containers during harvest
• performing a range of housekeeping tasks in premises and grounds
• performing basic recording functions related to work performed at this level.

For more information, visit Changes to entry-level classifications in Horticulture Award and Pastoral Award on the Fair Work Ombudsman website to:

• find new industry-specific information and examples for the horticulture industry
• access an updated version of your award to read the new classification rules
• download an updated pay guide or calculate new introductory pay rates using FWO pay tools.