Australian families have been warned to expect higher prices for fresh produce under the Albanese Government’s ‘go slow’ on visas for skilled workers and working holiday makers.
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester says he has been contacted by individual growers and peak bodies concerned about the impact of Labor’s decision to pause the processing of some visas from 24 countries.
“Without any consultation, the Albanese Government has created enormous uncertainty for farmers who rely on harvest workers and skilled agricultural visa applicants to grow the food we need,” Mr Chester said.
“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.”
National Farmers Federation horticulture council executive officer Richard Shannon has expressed similar concerns.
“If growers can’t access workers when crops are ready to harvest, food production falls, costs increase and Australians pay more for fresh food,” Mr Shannon said.
“Working Holiday Makers are a mobile, temporary workforce. They are picking fruit in regional Australia and often staying in on-farm or short-stay accommodation. They are not competing for family homes in outer-metropolitan suburbs and should not be treated as though they are.
“Temporary migrants working in horticulture are helping keep food on Australians’ tables and helping keep cost-of-living pressures down, not driving them up.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition was 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,” Mr Chester said.
