Since 1840, the association has been the peak body representing the winegrape growers and winemakers of South Australia.  A not for profit incorporated association, funded by voluntary member subscriptions, grants and fee for service activities, our mission is to provide leadership and services which underpin the profitability, sustainability and international competitiveness of our members. 

The association provides practical information and advice to members on a wide range of topics - industrial relations , OHS, environment, viticulture and export, to name a few. Expert advice is just a phone call away or consultation at your premises can be arranged.  The latest information, reports, resources and support tools are available in the members area.  Read More...

NEWS

3 September

Submission on proposed changes to Liquor Licensing Laws

On 21 July 2010 Discussion Papers on proposed changes to the Liquor Licensing Act and the Code of Practice were sent to SAWIA members.  Members reviewed those documents and provided SAWIA with their views concerning the increased amount of proposed regulation, the increase costs, the increased requirement for training and the impact generally on wine businesses.

A copy of SAWIA’s submission was lodged today and is available in the members section.

Note: This alert applies to all employers who use Power Snips.

HEALTH and SAFETY ALERT – USE OF POWER SNIPS

Download Use of Power Snips Alert

In response to a recent accident that occurred in the South Australian wine industry the following alert has been formulated for members by SAWIA with assistance from its OHSW Committee for the purposes of highlighting the risks involved in using powered snips and how to minimise those risks to avoid (or minimise) injury to employees.

 We note that whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this alert no liability whatsoever is accepted by SAWIA or its agents as to any loss, damage or injury arising out of reliance on this alert.

20 August - Barossa growers are educating their palates and gaining greater insights in to viticultural influences on wine composition and their role in determining the price points at which wines are sold. The NWETC sensory course commenced 4 August, running every Wednesday evening for 2.5 hours for 4 weeks, includes wine tasting of locally produced wines. NWETC educator and Wolf Blass winemaker, Stuart Rusted, is presenting the sessions at the Barossa Valley Estate and is supported by GrapeBarossa. Contact Marcia Burnett Marcia@winesa.asn.au for information about the NWETC program and future presentations.

This affects employers and employees who operate forklifts, cranes, hoists, elevating work platforms and other plant, or perform scaffolding, dogging and rigging work. The new licence will provide for a nationally recognised licence valid across Australia (no matter where in Australia it is issued). South Australian employees will be able to apply to transfer their existing qualifications to the new licence over a five-year period. SAWIA has provided details to members to ensure they are aware of the changes.

11 August- HAZARD ALERT – SYNTHETIC FIBRE SLINGS

Download SafeWork SA Hazard Alert

SafeWork SA has issued a Hazard Alert related to the use of Synthetic fibre slings following the death of a worker when a steel beam, which was being positioned onto a building, dropped while being suspended from a crane. 

Synthetic fibre slings or 'soft' slings are regularly used in workplaces for the lifting and movement of loads in conjunction with cranes. Prior to the selection of slings, an assessment must be made as to the appropriate type of slings to be used. Where the load to be lifted has sharp edges or components (e.g. cleats), soft slings must not be used unless they are protected from the sharp edges. Every time a sling is used, it must be inspected for signs of damage that could affect its safe use.

This full-day seminar in Adelaide on 23 September 2010 at the Adelaide Convention Centre, will be the culmination of the 2008-2010 South Australian Wine Industry Sector Agreement. It is open to all grape growers, wine producers and wine industry suppliers, not just those participating in the Wine Industry Sector Agreement.

10+ ways to reduce your environmental footprint will be packed full of practical take-home messages on how to reduce your environmental footprint in energy, water, packaging, greenhouse gas emissions and more.

View the program and registration brochure. To register your interest or find out more about how you can be involved, contact Marcia Burnett on marcia@winesa.asn.au or 8222 9271.

9 July - The Approved Code of Practice for Working Hoursin South Australia (the Code) came into effect on 1 July 2010. The Code identifies potential hazard factors associated with working hours such as fatigue and excessive working hours and provides a best practice approach to formulating policy on rostering and hours of work. SAWIA is in the process of preparing an information sheet for members on how the Code will operate and how it may impact on their business.

18 June - Paid parental leave to be available soon

The provision of part payment for parental leave is contained in legislation that was passed by the Australian Federal parliament on Thursday 17 June 2010. The scheme approved will have implications for employers and application to employees and will commence on 1 January 2011. SAWIA is in the process of preparing an information sheet for members on how the paid parental scheme will operate and how the scheme will impact on their business.

11 June -Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey 2010   Order your copy NOW!The South Australian Wine Industry Association has just completed the 10th annual National Wine Industry Salary & Benefits Survey, which is now available for wine industry employers to purchase.

This year 58 positions have been surveyed typically those positions not covered by an industrial award.

The survey also includes a separate report for “small business” salary data defined as those businesses with annual revenue of less than $10 million.

In addition it contains information to assist with reviewing or creating a salary policy for your company. This publication is a valuable addition in order to keep up to date with remuneration practices applying in the wine industry. ORDER YOUR COPY

4 June - Fair Work Australia announces its’ 2010 Wage Setting Decision

Fair Work Australia has announced that Modern Award wage rates and the Federal Minimum Wage for full time adult employees will increase by $26.00 per week.  A proportionate increase will apply to other types of employees.  The increases will apply from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2010.

SAWIA is in the process of preparing wage rate sheets and will provide these to members for the modern awards applying in the wine industry. SAWIA provides an award update service which includes award changes and up to date rates of pay.

SAWIA WINS OVER $130,000 IN OHSW GRANTS FOR ITS MEMBERS!

SAWIA has been successful in winning OHSW Grants following an invitation by Employers Mutual Limited (EML) for its Member lncentive Program. The funding approved by EML for the two major projects is a great result for SAWIA members who will use the outcomes directly in their day to day operations. Read More 

25 February - Updated Treated Timber Guidelines - The Treated Timber Waste Management Guidelines, released in December 2009, have been updated in January 2010.  The changes made clarify the definition of general environmental duty as defined by the Environment Protection Act 1993 in respect of burning, and also provide specific requirements for testing laboratories and disposal sites.  A laboratory testing ash residues in the event of a burnt stockpile must be NATA accredited, and waste disposal facilities receiving such residues must be licensed by the EPA to do so. The Guidelines address many of the risks and hazards associated with the management of treated timber, especially used CCA (copper chromate arsenate) vineyard posts. They also set out the recommended practices for storage and transport management in an easy to read tabular format. These practices are based on a risk analysis that was conducted using a wide range of available research and reference data that is also provided. Read More

4 January 2009 – Reminder that Modern Awards & the National Employment Standards (NES) operate from 1 January 2010  Just a reminder to members operating in the Federal industrial relations system that Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards (NES) apply from 1 January 2010. Modern Awards and the NES form the minimum “safety net” entitlements for all employees in the national industrial relations system.  Transitional provisions apply to modern awards which explain how employers will deal with increases and decreases to monetary provisions when compared to the Pre-Reform Federal Award or NAPSA. While modern awards commence on 1 January 2010, transitional provisions commence from 1 July 2010 allowing increases/decreases to monetary provisions to be phased in over a five year period. 

For more information, copies of relevant modern awards and the NES go the Employee Relations > Modern Award & NES page of the SAWIA website. (members only)