Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told the National Farmers' Federation congress that he still remains committed to introducing an agriculture-specific visa, despite concerns that he may be looking at alternatives.
Last weekend, he announced plans to fill harvest workforce shortages with local workers who are on welfare benefits, which drew criticism from farming groups for not understanding the sectors long-term needs. But he took to the stage in Canberra today, where he clarified his position and reassured the sector that he is working towards this visa, in at least the medium-term future, but he first needs to work out where the shortages are.
The announcement was welcomed by NFF President Fiona Simson.
"The NFF is delighted by the Prime Minister's re-commitment," Ms Simson said. "Mr Morrison today gave agriculture the confidence it was seeking, that an agricultural visa would become a reality. Right now, farmers across the country, are struggling to find the pickers and packers needed to harvest and prepare their summer crop for market."
Photo: PM Scott Morrison addressing congress - courtesy National Farmers' Federation Twitter
The problem many of the groups found with Prime Minister's plan to use the local workforce is that local farmers had already been trying to hire Australian, but it was proving to be extremely difficult. Many families could not financially commit to the seasonal nature of the work, while other groups raised concerns about the workers only turning up to receive their welfare, and not always wanting to be there.
The NFF agrees that Australians should have first access to the jobs, but there must be an alternative, and is encouraging farmers to register their workforce needs situation with the National Harvest Labour Information Service.
"Aussies must be given priority access to Aussie jobs," Ms Simson said. "We implore farmers to answer the PM’s call, and register their vacancies with the newly-established National Harvest Labour Information Service, so that Australians can fill these positions, where they’re ready, willing and able. But when and where this doesn't happen, then other solutions have to be created. Today the PM again demonstrated that his Government understands this."
The Victorian Farmers Federation's Horticulture President Emma Germano echoed those statements, saying the commitment came as a significant relief.
“Farmers around the country have proposed a solution to the workforce problems many farmers are facing, and that is the dedicated agricultural visa,” she said. “It has taken years of hard work, consultation and advocacy from farmers to get to this point. While the government’s commitment today is welcome, it is now time to take the next step. It is now time to make a dedicated agriculture visa reality.”
Meanwhile, the congress also heard from the Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joel Fitzgibbon, who threw his support for the NFF's National Agriculture Strategy, should Labour win office at the next election which is expected to be early next year.
“It’s time to act, not just talk. We don’t have a moment to lose,” Mr Fitzgibbon said in his remarks. “I would love the opportunity to drive that overarching strategic plan for the sector.”
Ms Simson says the industry has invested huge energy in our 2030 Roadmap, but we can’t take it forward without the support of government.
"A National Agriculture Strategy – led by the Federal Government and endorsed at a COAG level – will help take the politics out of growing our industry," she said. "We applaud the Opposition for embracing this initiative, and for their commitment to the overarching vision of achieving $100 billion in farm gate output by 2030."
Day two of the congress also heard from Major General, Stephen Day, Drought Coordinator, CWA NSW CEO Danica Leys and Michael Every, Rabobank's Head of Financial Markets Research, Asia-Pacific.