Agricultural
2 July, 2021
Agriculture visa to secure labour force for Farmers
The Nationals have delivered an agriculture visa to secure the labour force needed by Australian farmers.
The Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud said the announcement of a new seasonal agriculture worker visa will come as huge relief to the agriculture industry that has been crying out for a secure workforce.
“As part of the give and take of negotiations with the UK over the Free Trade Agreement, UK backpackers will no longer be required to fulfi l a period of time working in the agriculture sector,” Minister Littleproud said.
This visa will be extended to all ten ASEAN countries in view of our close and longstanding economic ties with the region.
“The new seasonal agricultural worker agricultural worker visa would mirror the existing Seasonal Worker Programme and will add to the pool of workers available to work on Australian farms.
“Pacific worker programs have and will continue to play a critical role in our agriculture sector and the new visa arrangement will build on the success of these arrangements.
“Like the Seasonal Worker Programme, the new visa arrangement will have protections to ensure workers are protected, not subject to exploitation and that the visa is not misused.
“Pay and conditions, health, and work and safety will also be in line with similar requirements and protections under the Seasonal Worker Programme.
“Because of the Nationals hard work, Australian farmers will have the labour they need to do what they do best – growing premium food and fi bre and exporting it to the world.”
The Australian Government will work to have the new visa in place before the end of the year.
