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Grocery costs to increase as farmers pass on expenses from Albanese Labor Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme changes warns David Littleproud

David Littleproud warns that Labor's changes to the PALM scheme will increase grocery costs, as farmers pass on their higher expenses. Labor's reforms may lead to farmers exiting the scheme, exacerbating the labor shortage.

By news@gippsland - 6th June 2023 - Back to News

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is warning Labor's changes to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme will push up the cost of groceries even further. Mr Littleproud said families would be forced to pay more for their food at the check-out, after Australian farmers inevitably passed on their increased costs to make ends meet.

Andrews Labor government Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme changes will increase grocery costs, farmers may exit scheme and face labor shortages

Cost-of-living concerns

Mr Littleproud said, "Labor's cost-of-living crisis is only going to get worse as families struggle to pay for their food. Common sense tells you near-impossible new rules and increased costs on our farmers created by Labor will result in increased costs on food for families."

It comes after Labor changed the PALM scheme rules, forcing those from nine Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to be paid a minimum of 30 hours a week, every week.

Mr Littleproud said the union-backed reforms could see many farmers now exit the PALM scheme, with farmers also struggling to find workers. "The National Farmers' Federation and the council of Small Business Organisations Australia previously warned at Labor's Jobs and Skills Summit that agriculture requires an additional 172,000 workers to get food from paddock to port or plate."

PALM scheme challenges

Mr Littleproud also said, "The PALM scheme has the potential of just 42,000 workers. "It is now becoming even more unattractive for farmers to sign up to the PALM scheme. At the same time, Labor is refusing to reinstate the Agriculture Visa, which was designed by the former Coalition Government to supplement the PALM scheme. When supply goes down, prices go up, which is why farmers are currently planting less and Australians continue to pay more for food."

The cost of food and non-alcoholic beverages has already increased by eight per cent over 12 months to March 2023, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

Pictures from Danny O'Brien MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
• CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
  The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
  South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.