Emergency Visa Process No Substitute For Lasting Workforce Reform

Key points

• The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed emergency help for urgent farm worker visa applications. It warns the arrangement cannot replace long-term reform of regional workforce and migration settings.
• NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the referrals help some farms facing urgent shortages, but a lasting solution is needed. The federation said regional tourism, hospitality and small businesses also rely on Working Holiday Makers.
• It wants regular visa processing restored, an improved Pacific labour scheme and a dedicated agricultural visa.