The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to introduce a new Agriculture Visa from 2030, saying a fit-for-purpose migration system is essential to Australia’s food and fibre production and regional communities.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the announcement recognised the farm sector’s longstanding call for a dedicated visa pathway that complements, rather than replaces, existing programs.
“The NFF has long called for workforce reform, including a purpose-built agricultural visa. We welcome the Coalition’s commitment to introduce one from 2030,” Mr McIntyre said.
“Agriculture needs workers with different skills, in different places and at different times of the year. A dedicated Agriculture Visa should sit alongside the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, skilled migration and Working Holiday Makers, with each pathway meeting distinct workforce needs.
“We would like to see all parties support this idea and work closely with agriculture to develop a practical, durable model with strong worker protections and clear pathways for the people and businesses who rely on it.”
The NFF also welcomed the Coalition’s commitment to reverse caps and the ballot system for second- and third-year Working Holiday Maker visa extensions, and to exempt regional areas from proposed higher visa fees.
“This is an important recognition that Working Holiday Makers are an important mobile workforce for farms and regional communities. They fill around one in seven farm jobs nationally, support peak periods and spend money in local accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses.
“Working Holiday Maker numbers are already easing, with Minister Burke himself pointing to increasing departures. The Coalition’s own modelling also projects 23,700 fewer Working Holiday Maker visa holders by 2031–32. We want to ensure policy settings should support regional workforce needs rather than accelerate the decline.
“Migration policy cannot be judged by a headline number alone. The test is whether Australia can get the right workers to the right places at the right time, while maintaining integrity and protecting workers.
“We need to understand how the broader proposed reductions and changes to skilled migration would affect agriculture, particularly in communities already facing acute workfoce shortages. The NFF looks forward to working constructively with all parties to ensure migration settings support food security, productivity and thriving regional communities.”