Farmers are expressing concerns that changes to the backpacker visa program in Australia could lead to increased food prices due to a shortage of workers. Starting from July 1, various changes will be implemented, including a 25% increase in visa charges for working holiday makers. The National Farmers Federation has noted that these changes will make Australia significantly more expensive than other countries like Canada, New Zealand, and Germany, and will discourage working holiday makers, including those who work on farms.
Fiona Simson, representing the federation, stated that any increase in charges or reduction in available funds for backpackers will be taken into consideration by them. Additionally, the changes will permit British backpackers to extend their stay without having to undertake specified regional work, which Simson believes will result in a potential loss of tens of thousands of backpackers for regional Australia.
A new wage threshold for temporary skilled migration will also be introduced, requiring workers to be paid a minimum of $70,000 (US$46,000), compared to the existing $53,900 (US$35,760). The federation argues that this figure will exclude 84% of agriculture workers. Bill Bulmer from AusVeg, representing Australian producers, stated that the industry is already experiencing a shortage of workers.
The agriculture sector heavily relies on working holiday makers, especially during harvest time. Farmers warn that further labor shortfalls will lead to a decrease in produce or even business closures. Immigration Minister Andrew Giles emphasized that the Labor party aims to improve wages and conditions for all workers, including a pay increase for those on the temporary skills shortage visa.