HARVEST WORKFORCE CONCERNS REMAIN DESPITE VISA CHANGES

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) welcomes the announcement by the Federal Government today to prioritise migration for key sectors including agriculture, although it is cautious about the broader impact on the upcoming harvest.

During his presentation to the National Press Club today in relation to the Government's overhaul of the migration system, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that he will update a ministerial direction to prioritise migrants who have skills Australia needs in areas such as agriculture.

He stated that, in the process of that update, agriculture, fisheries, construction and teaching will be added to the priority list.

GPA has recently been vocal in relation to its serious concern about the August announcement that the Government was intentionally slowing down the processing of applications for Working Holiday visas, and the impact on the upcoming grain harvest.

In his announcement today, Minister Burke stated that the updated prioritisation of migration in areas such as agriculture will “allow us to restore the normal processing speed that we were previously at for primary applications for working holidaymakers”.

“It is critical that the importance of skilled migrant workers to grain growers has been reflected in today’s announcement,” stated GPA Chair Matthew Madden.

“Many of our members have to rely on Working Holiday visa holders to meet their staffing capacity needs at critical times such as harvest, and our members have seen a downturn in migrant applications while undertaking recent recruitment for harvest.

“GPA members and the Australian grain sector have been facing monumental challenges recently, including fuel and fertiliser supply and price challenges caused by the Iran war.

We don’t need any further burdens imposed by the Government.

“GPA is aware of the significant political pressure related to migration numbers, but our nation’s leaders need to ensure that any policy setting does not impact our critical food and grain production."

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193