Visa lists fail to meet needs
THE farm sector is frustrated at the failure of the government’s revised occupation lists to address critical, ongoing labour shortages in the industry.
While the National Farmers’ Federation welcomed the reinstatement of several occupations in industries that support agriculture, the group’s chief executive said the changes continued to fall short of meeting agriculture’s labour needs.
“The lists released on Friday, which underpin eligibility for the subclass 457 visa (soon to become the Temporary Skills Shortage visa), still do not cater for agriculture’s unique labour requirements,” NFF chief executive officer Tony Mahar said.
Following the announcement of the abolishment and reform of the subclass 457 visa program on April 18, a further review of the Short Term Skilled Occupation List and the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List was to be undertaken.
Mr Mahar said the NFF was concerned about the changes, including the removal of several occupations from the
list and the restriction of agricultural occupations to the STSOL, limiting access to a two-year visa with no pathway to permanent residency.
“A two-year visa, even with an option for one onshore renewal, does not provide enough certainty for agricultural businesses,” Mr Mahar said.
“Friday’s announcement does not adequately address concerns raised by the NFF about the initial changes.”
Mr Mahar said agriculture was well placed to become a $100 billion industry by 2030 through capitalising on growing global demand for
safe, high-quality food and fibre.
“However, this cannot be achieved without the right policy settings to underpin growth and productivity and address industry labour needs,” he said.
“The agriculture sector supports an ‘Australian jobs first’ approach.
“However, despite a preference for Australian workers, businesses are expending significant resources to access overseas workers because they can’t find Australian workers to fill the positions they are offering.”