Bunbury Meat Industry Forum unites stakeholders to tackle workforce challenges
- fftitc
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Food, Fibre and Timber Industries Training Council (WA) Inc. (FFTITC) recently brought together 33 key industry stakeholders for the Meat Industry Skills Network Forum held on 28 October 2025 at the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI). The event gathered representatives from employers, unions, training organisations, state and federal government agencies, meat regulators, apprenticeship support networks, and group training companies – all with one shared goal: to strengthen the future of Western Australia’s meat industry workforce.
From the moment participants arrived, the energy in the room reflected the passion and commitment of those who play a vital role in keeping this essential industry strong. FFTITC’s Tony Palladino opened the forum with an update on current training and employment trends across WA, setting the tone for an engaging day of discussion and collaboration.
Speakers from MINTRAC, WA Migration Services, the Department of Home Affairs, AMIC, and South Metropolitan TAFE shared valuable insights into national and state training developments, migration pathways, and upcoming programs designed to support workforce attraction and retention. The new Meat Industry VET in Schools Program, due to commence in 2026, drew particular interest as an important pathway to introduce young people to meat processing and butchery careers.
Following lunch, Tony Palladino facilitated a lively workshop session where attendees explored key challenges and opportunities across the sector. The discussion quickly revealed that skilled labour shortages remain the biggest hurdle, particularly for slaughterers, boners, slicers, and butchers. This concern was heightened by news that some large supermarket chains have adopted “no-knives” policies for workers under 18, creating additional barriers to skill development and entry-level employment.
Despite these challenges, the forum’s tone was constructive and forward-looking. Participants shared practical ideas to help attract and retain workers, from reducing red tape in visa and migration programs to promoting regional housing and lifestyle incentives. Others called for more flexible training options, including increased use of the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and the removal of restrictions on fee-free TAFE for existing workers wanting to upskill through apprenticeships or traineeships.
There was also discussion about emerging technologies, including the use of AI and automation in meat grading, animal welfare monitoring, and export quality assurance. While participants acknowledged some trepidation about how these changes might affect jobs and training needs, there was a cautious optimism that, if managed well, technology could improve efficiency, safety, and career diversity across the industry. Ideas such as modernising job titles to make them more appealing to younger candidates also gained strong support.
Throughout the day, one theme was clear, the meat industry is essential to Australia’s food security, and it offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities. Attendees agreed that strong collaboration between industry, government, and training bodies will be key to ensuring the workforce is equipped to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s demands.
FFTITC extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Bunbury forum for their open discussion, ideas, and enthusiasm. The insights gathered will help shape future initiatives aimed at building a skilled, sustainable, and proudly local workforce for Western Australia’s thriving meat industry.
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