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This paper is part of an employment strategy being undertaken by the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training (ACIRRT) for the Victorian Dairy Industry and presents a draft set of strategic goals and possible projects and actions to be undertaken. Dairy farmers face many difficulties in both recruiting and retaining labour, and it is realised that more than just a marketing strategy is needed, as the industry faces several internal problems which would also need addressing. Therefore, it was decided that any successful strategy would need to deal with the twin issues of: (1) workforce development and retention; and (2) employment conditions and practices, and the issue of labour supply. Consequently, an integrated and phased set of industry-led, pro-active strategies has been recommended. Five main goals are proposed and outlined in this paper, and these will form the framework for the strategy. The goals are: an industry with a sound future and matching image; an industry that provides attractive and competitive jobs, while maximising returns from farm labour; an industry that develops the skills of its workforce and provides attractive careers; an industry that meets annual recruitment needs through strategic and cost effective enlistment; and institutional capacity to manage, fund and support all facets of the employment strategy. Key strategic objectives and projects are identified under the title of each goal. In the future, a final report and strategy document will be prepared.