In the heart of Australia's agricultural backbone lies the meat industry, a sector that plays a crucial role in feeding both the nation and the world. To sustain this vital industry, the Meat Industry Labour Agreement (MILA) provides a streamlined pathway for employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers in the occupation of ‘skilled meat worker’ for temporary and permanent residency.

Understanding the Agreement

MILA allows businesses to address labour shortages by employing overseas workers for a period of up to four years. The agreement is structured with set terms and conditions that remain non-negotiable, ensuring consistency across the industry. The specifics of concessions available vary depending on the visa subclass and the business’s regional location.

Visa Pathways for Skilled Meat Workers

Employers can sponsor skilled overseas workers under the following visa programs:

• Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) – a temporary skilled visa
• Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (Subclass 186) – leading to permanent residency after a three-year transition
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) – designed for regional employment

Responsibilities of a Skilled Meat Worker

MILA applies exclusively to the occupation of ‘skilled meat worker’ with the designated code 070499 (as there is no equivalent ANZSCO code).

The tasks of a skilled meat worker include duties similar to those of ANZSCO occupations like Slaughterer (831212) and Meat Boner and Slicer (831211). These essential processing tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Stunning and slaughtering livestock
• Evisceration and carcass preparation
• Cutting and trimming meat according to industry standards
• Operating equipment for meat processing
• Following strict hygiene and safety protocols

English Language Requirements

Depending on the visa category and regional location, skilled workers must meet minimum English language proficiency requirements. Generally, an IELTS overall score of 5.0 (with no minimum score in each component) or an equivalent is required. Exceptions apply to those holding a Subclass 457 visa under previous exemptions.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

To qualify under MILA, workers must demonstrate a minimum skill level equivalent to an Australian Certificate III in meat processing, assessed by MINTRAC or a recognized authority. Experience requirements include:

• At least two years of skilled work experience at an accredited Meat Processing Establishment (MPE) OR
• Nine months of work experience in Australia on a Subclass 457 or Skills in Demand visa OR
• One year of relevant work experience in Australia on another temporary visa.

Salary and Employment Conditions

To maintain fairness in wages, overseas workers must receive a salary at least 90% of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) or the Core Skilled Income Threshold (CSIT) for their respective visa categories. Employers must ensure:

• Full-time employment of skilled workers
• Salary parity with equivalent Australian workers
• Top-up payments if Australian workers earn more for the same role

Age Restrictions

• No age limit applies for Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
• For Category 1 regional areas, applicants must meet standard age requirements for permanent visa programs.
• For Category 2 & 3 regional areas, applicants must be under 55 years of age for permanent visas.

Conclusion

The Meat Industry Labour Agreement stands as a lifeline for businesses struggling with workforce shortages while providing skilled overseas workers with the opportunity to contribute to a thriving industry. By aligning with industry standards and regulations, this agreement fosters economic growth, employment stability, and sustainability in one of Australia's most critical sectors.

Employers looking to navigate this process should ensure compliance with all MILA requirements, paving the way for a well-integrated and efficient workforce that meets both industry demands and regulatory standards.