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Backpacker visa cuts spark fears of rotting crops

Fears are growing that Australian produce could rot in fields if backpacker visa cuts go ahead. A federal agriculture department official told a Senate estimates hearing that no modelling had been done on the likely effect on harvests. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that second-year visa places will fall from 57,000 to 45,000, and third-year places from 31,000 to 5000. The Northern Territory government has warned that the Top End mango harvest could lose 1000 workers. The National Farmers Federation has urged the government to return to regular visa processing.

ABC News Just In· Few hours agoLifestyle

First-time farmer solves mulberry packing problem with dental drill

Retired dentist Peter Lynch has designed a $4 plastic basket that lets pickers pack mulberries directly into punnets. His Sunshine Coast hinterland farm, Kureelpa Mulberry Company, says the change has cut fruit damage by 80 per cent and reduced labour costs. The farm's four-week harvest depends on daily pickers, and the couple is concerned that cuts to working holiday visa numbers could make hiring difficult. Two French working holiday makers on the farm said a second year in Australia is uncertain.

Region Canberra· A while agoPolitics

Junee chocolate boss tells Labor MPs to run a business before changing visa rules

Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory co-owner Rhiannon Druce has urged Labor politicians to run a business for a month before introducing policies affecting regional employers. She has raised concerns about proposed changes to working holiday visas, which would replace guaranteed second and third year extensions with a ballot. About 10 per cent of the factory's 70 staff are backpackers. Riverina MP Michael McCormack said the Coalition would prioritise regional work in the visa program if elected. The Department of Home Affairs said the changes aim to allocate places fairly while giving government greater control over temporary visa numbers.

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#Working Holiday VisasTopic

Backpacker visa cuts spark fears of rotting crops

First-time farmer solves mulberry packing problem with dental drill

Junee chocolate boss tells Labor MPs to run a business before changing visa rules

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#Working Holiday VisasTopic

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Backpacker visa cuts spark fears of rotting crops

First-time farmer solves mulberry packing problem with dental drill

Junee chocolate boss tells Labor MPs to run a business before changing visa rules