Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Recent rainfall has lifted the spirits of many farmers and growers in my electorate of Mallee and will lead to bumper crops for upcoming harvests. But, despite low case numbers and easing restrictions, the impacts of coronavirus continue to impact the horticulture industry in Mallee in concerning ways. A new report by consultancy firm Ernst & Young suggests there could be demand for over 36,000 workers in the horticultural sector over the next 18 months. The horticulture industry is desperate for solutions to workforce challenges.

In my view we need a three-pronged approach to address looming seasonal workforce shortages. Firstly, we need to incentivise local workforce participation—and I welcome the federal government's initiative to provide a new relocation payment of up to $6,000 for locals to take up work in the agricultural sector. Secondly, we need to urgently restart the seasonal workforce program in a COVID safe way. I note the agreement between the federal government and the states and territories to restart the program. I have written to the Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes, requesting she urgently outline her plan to reintroduce the program as per the agreement. Finally, we need to resolve issues with undocumented workers in the horticultural industry. COVID-19 provides a unique opportunity to implement measures to address seasonal workforce challenges to benefit the entire industry and the wider community.