By Maddison Howell
AUSTRALIAN farmers are facing uncertainty as harvest season approaches, with the Federal Opposition criticising the Albanese Government’s changes to Working Holiday Maker visas.
Shadow Minister for Immigration Jonathon Duniam, Nationals Deputy Leader Darren Chester and Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture Sam Birrell believe that the government is leaving farmers to resolve problems created by its migration reforms.
This criticism follows changes announced by Immigration Minister Tony Burke that would cap the number of working holiday-makers who are planning to extend their stay here.
Under the revised arrangements, second-year visa places are set to fall from 57,000 to 45,000, while third-year places will drop from 31,000 to only 5,000.
The government’s figures represent a significant reduction in opportunities for backpackers to remain in Australia, in turn, raising concerns among agricultural businesses that rely heavily on seasonal workers to pick and pack crops.
Senator Duniam has called on the government to clarify how farmers would access the workers they need, who would determine which applications receive priority, and how quickly these decisions are to be made. Also questioning what support would be available to other affected industries, such as hospitality and tourism.
Mr Chester warned that the changes could intensify workforce pressures during critical agricultural periods, while Mr Birrell said farmers and harvesting contractors were concerned about experienced workers being left in limbo.
“Farmers are telling me they are anxious and worried about the upcoming peak season, but to make matters worse, it will now be up to them to prove why they need extra workers,” Mr Birrell said.
“Labor owes it to our farming community to explain exactly how it will fix this mess and prioritise the workers that farmers need.”
Committee for Greater Shepparton CEO Linda Nieuwenhuizen explores the key role backpackers play for our region.
“Continuing workforce shortages for most of this decade have forced our local employers to invest time and effort to plan ahead – but whether it’s picking season or flu season, plans are not a guarantee. Backpackers have played a key role in meeting the gaps. The introduction of caps and ballots increases the uncertainty for industry and for backpackers.”
Acting as a vital lifeline for regional communities, the Working Holiday Maker program supports temporary employment across regional industries. The Department of Home Affairs says the program allows young adults from more than 40 partner countries to holiday in Australia for up to 12 months while undertaking short-term work and study.
Agriculture is an important part of this scheme, with jobs such as fruit picking, crop cultivation and packing on offer.
The Opposition is calling for clearer guidance and a longer-term solution, arguing that farmers need reliable access to workers to protect production and keep Australia’s food supply evolving.
