Advocacy Update

One of the less tangible, but very important benefits of membership of your industry body is the impact that body can have on the industry at large through advocacy efforts. At The Landscape Association, 2020 has been awash with opportunities for us to advocate on your behalf and we have done so in the following ways:

Water restrictions

The year commenced with level four restrictions in Sydney and throughout much of NSW. Working with NGINA, Turf Australia and Irrigation Australia, we secured a meeting with Minister Pavey, the NSW Water Minister, as well as several meetings with Sydney Water. The result being an opened door and agreement that we will be consulted prior to the setting of future restrictions. Further, we have been given the opportunity to present a pre-set series of restrictions for the Minister’s consideration. If accepted, these will form the basis of future restrictions as and when required.

COVID-19

We wrote to multiple MPs in the early stages of the C-19 situation to lobby for the exclusion of landscapers from any enforced shut-down measures. At all times throughout the crisis, our industry has been seen as essential and allowed to continue operating.

The recent announcement of the Government’s HomeBuilder package saw us continue our collaborative work with NGINA, Turf Australia and also with our sister-organisations in each State. A joint letter has been sent to the Federal Government to ensure the inclusion of ‘green industries’ in the program. We have also developed and implemented a joint social media campaign aimed at raising awareness of the value of outdoor spaces to the community.

HBC Insurance

The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) recently informed us of a review, already underway, of the HBC Insurance scheme. Following the initial call for submissions on ideas for the improvement of the scheme, we lodged our submission, containing a suggested radical overhaul of the program and our offer to be involved in the next phase of the review process. IPART has accepted that offer and we will attend a meeting with them this week.

As our advocacy efforts yield results, we will keep you posted. Please be in touch should you wish to voice your views on, or be involved in policy and advocacy for the industry.