The Nationals are deeply concerned by reports that harvest workers and skilled agricultural visa applicants are already being caught up in delays and uncertainty under the Albanese Government’s ‘go slow’ on visas.
Farmers are already operating in an increasingly difficult environment, with rising input costs, labour shortages, biosecurity risks, natural disasters and more red tape.
Slow visa approvals for returning harvest workers are yet another hurdle being placed in front of the people who grow our food and fibre.
Working holiday makers are a critical part of the seasonal agricultural workforce, particularly during peak harvest periods, so the timing of Labor’s delays is critical.
This is not just an inconvenience for farmers. If growers cannot access the workers they need when crops are ready, it affects food supply, supermarket shelves and the prices Australian families pay at the checkout.
It’s also concerning that this issue is not isolated to backpackers. Skilled agricultural visa pathways have also taken a hit, adding further pressure to industries already struggling to secure the workforce they need.
The Albanese Government needs to explain exactly what it is doing to make sure farmers can access the workforce they need before harvest, and provide certainty to growers, workers and regional communities.
The Nationals will continue to stand up for farmers and regional industries. We need practical migration settings that support agriculture, strengthen regional communities and help keep food on Australian tables.
The Coalition is committed to reducing overall migration while protecting the skilled and seasonal workers regional Australia needs to thrive.
For too long, the numbers have been too high and the standards too low when it comes to migration. We need to get the right people to where they are needed and cap migration to what our housing supply can support.
