Another harvest has come
and gone, and agriculture’s acute labour shortage has deepened. Politicians
continue to tinker with existing labour programs but they so far, lack the courage
to deliver a realistic, comprehensive solution: an Agriculture Visa.
The farming sector’s
frustration is palpable. The failure to act feels like a slap in the face to
farmers, who want to provide jobs, be more productive, and to accelerate their
already significant contribution to the nation. Is this not worth supporting?
There are at least four myths touted in defence of this inaction. In the midst of the federal election it’s worth considering these and the countervailing reality.
MYTH 1: No one can say what an Ag Visa would look like.
FACT: The NFF’s Ag Visa model was established more than 2 years ago.
The National Farmers’ Federation proposed Ag Visa model was finalised in 2017. Since then the NFF has shared the model with those with an interest in solving the farm sector’s labour challenge.
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