PHOTO: The push is on for new ways to address the farm labour shortage. IMAGE: www.agrilabour.com.au/backpacker-jobs
The Australian Government is being encouraged to study Canada’s successful worker visa scheme to fill the increasing labour shortage on Australian farms – by allowing seasonal workers to get full-time residency and the creation of a new semi-skilled visa category.
In its submission to the Federal Government’s ‘A Migration System for Australia’s Future’ the National Farmers Federation (NFF) says many potential migrant agricultural workers are falling through the cracks because they do not meet the criteria for the skilled migration scheme and are not from one of nine countries eligible under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility program.
“We would encourage the government to consider a dedicated semi-skilled visa option specific to the agricultural sector,” the NFF said. “Canada may serve as a guide…