Employment Types

Dairy farm businesses engage people in many ways. Each arrangement carries different rights, obligations and costs. Understanding the options supports sound decisions and protects the business.

Select an employment type below

Employees

Permanent, casual and seasonal employees, and the rules for employing children.

Overseas Workers

Visa requirements, work-rights checks and the Dairy Industry Labour Agreement.

Contractors

When a worker is genuinely an independent contractor, and the laws that still apply.

Family Members

Documenting arrangements and paying family members fairly.

Share Farming

Setting up a fair, well-documented share dairy farming arrangement.

Common questions

Do family members working on the farm need a formal agreement?
There is no legal requirement for a formal agreement with a family member, but documenting expectations and rewards in writing is strongly recommended.
How can a dairy farm business engage people?
A dairy farm business can engage people as employees (permanent, casual or seasonal), overseas workers, independent contractors, family members, or share farmers. Each arrangement carries different rights, obligations and costs.
What is the difference between an employee and a contractor?
An employee works under an employment contract and within the employer's business. An independent contractor runs their own business, controls how the work is done, and is usually paid for a result. The true nature of the relationship decides the status, not the label.