There are more calls from the National Farmers Federation that ag workforce policy needs to be sustainable.
In a submission to the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia Inquiry, the federation outlined the majority of farm labour shortages are in unskilled or semi-skilled roles.
They say while skilled migration plays a role, programs such as the seasonal worker programs and domestic workforce development would be of more value to ag than tweaks to skilled migration parameters.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said “We believe skilled migration should be flexible, targeted, and responsive to genuine regional demand.”
The NFF recommended that programs to assist existing workers be given precedence to skilled migration changes.
The NFF submission can be viewed at https://nff.org.au/submission/inquiry-into-the-value-of-skilled-migration-to-australia
