Gippsland › Latest news › Peter Walsh MP
Extension of Victoria's seasonal worker deal with Tasmania for farmers is long overdue and wont make a dent in shortage
Extension of Victoria's seasonal worker deal with Tasmania is long overdue, but the 1500 places announced today is a band aid solution that won't make a dent in the tens of thousands of vacancies across the sector.
The paperwork to extend the deal has been sitting on the Premier's desk for three weeks, leaving Victorian farmers weeks behind in getting workers into 14 day's quarantine and on-farm.
Seasonal agricultural workers are essential to boost the agriculture industry during some of its busiest times, the agreement will not impact the number of seasonal workers required with those workers continuing to be prioritised
Farmers pushed to breaking point
Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture Peter Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government's delays had pushed farmers, who are just weeks away from harvest, to breaking point. "Workforce shortages are crushing the livelihood of our farmers and Victoria's $16 billion agriculture industry, but the Andrews Labor Government has delivered little hope today."
"The pandemic's left our fruit and vegetable growers, wool producers, grain growers and meat processors tens of thousands of workers short - but Labor Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas is missing-in-action with no plan to get the workforce Victorian agriculture needs." Mr Walsh said.
Demand driven program
The Victorian horticulture sector alone expects to be short about 15,000 workers, but grain growers, wool producers and meat processors have also reported worsening shortages while Australia's borders remain closed.
The Federal Liberal and National Government recently announced a dedicated ag visa to fast-track the arrival of workers to Australian farms, with State and Territory governments to continue to be responsible for quarantine arrangements.
The Commonwealth's program will be demand driven. Mr Walsh said the Andrews Labor Government must sign up, as a priority. "Daniel Andrews and his Agriculture Minister have sat back while farm worker shortages got worse. More than 12 months on and Labor still doesn't have a long-term solution that will give Victorian farmers certainty for the season ahead. The harsh reality is Victorian farmers need far more workers than the Labor Government has finally agreed to provide." Mr Walsh said
Quarantine facility dedicated for farmers
Mr Walsh also said, "A long-term plan should include the Victorian Government signing on to the Commonwealth's ag visa program and making sure that the new quarantine facility at Mickleham has places dedicated to farm workers when it comes online at the end of the year."
"Victorian farmers deserve better than living with the constant worry that their hard work will be for nothing because the Andrews Labor Government can't be bothered doing its bit."
Pictures from Business Victoria website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024