Senate Inquiry highlights need for urgent telecommunications action
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the release of a Senate committee’s report following a year-long inquiry into Triple Zero failures, which exposes major flaws in Australia’s mobile network regulatory framework and underlines the need for urgent action to strengthen regulation of the essential service. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the report shows what […]
Migration changes fail the housing availability and food affordability tests
The NFF Horticulture Council has warned that today’s migration announcement does nothing to explain how changes affecting Working Holiday Makers serve the Government’s stated objective of easing housing pressure, while leaving regional employers exposed to unknown workforce risk. Executive Officer Richard Shannon said the Government had framed its migration package as necessary to help the […]
NFF: Backpacker crackdown a ‘low blow’ that risks food security, regional economies
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has warned the Federal Government is putting Australia’s food security, regional economies and farm safety at risk if it pushes ahead with a crackdown on Working Holiday Maker visas without urgent consultation with the industries that rely on them. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said farmers were furious that Home Affairs […]
A harvest workforce deserves a plan, not a pause
The NFF Horticulture Council today urged the Australian Government to immediately restore normal processing of Working Holiday Maker visa applications, and to set out plainly what it intends for Australia’s seasonal horticulture workforce. On the Department of Home Affairs’ own published advice, the largest part of the program — new applications made from offshore — […]
Statement on the One Nation migration policy
Comments attributable to NFF CEO Michael Guerin: “Migration policy should not be treated as a political football. This is about food security, keeping farms operating and ensuring food remains affordable for Australian families. “We haven’t seen the detail of this proposal, but we know temporary workers help put food on tables, with backpackers alone filling […]
Farmers urge Government to lift backpacker pause
The National Farmers’ Federation is calling on the Federal Government to urgently restore timely Working Holiday Maker visa processing and consult affected industries before making further changes, warning every day of uncertainty is putting more pressure on farmers, regional communities and food supply. With Federal Parliament returning this week, the NFF and some members will […]
Opinion Editorial: Opportunities abound in Indonesia
By Su McCluskey, Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative In a world where trust is everything, Indonesia is proof food and fibre is our strategic advantage. Last week I was standing in a feedlot in Lampung, Indonesia in my new role as Australian Agriculture Trade Diversification Representative for the National Farmers’ Federation. I was struck by the similarities […]
NFF unveils National Agriculture Day 2026 theme
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has announced the theme of this year’s National Agriculture Day – the annual celebration of Australian agriculture. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said this year’s theme demonstrates that agriculture is part of everyone’s lives, every day. “This year’s theme is: Our Farmers, Our Future,” Mr McIntyre said. “Whether we’re talking about food security, export earnings, regional communities, environmental stewardship or innovation, farmers are central […]
Joint release: Industry unites over Working Holiday Maker restrictions
Four major industry bodies are standing together to call on the Australian Government tourgently restore access to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) as soon as possible, warning thatrestricting the flow of these workers is crippling Australian businesses ahead of the peaksummer season. Recent changes to the Working Holiday Maker program have seen Working Holiday (subclass417) visas […]
Australia’s proven farm workforce program seeks partners to secure its future
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling on industry, corporate Australia and governments to help secure the future of AgCAREERSTART, a proven national program building the next generation of Australia’s agricultural workforce. With Commonwealth funding due to expire, AgCAREERSTART is seeking new and renewed co-investment to keep young Australians moving into agriculture, and to make […]