Farming communities, economies set to benefit from the return of overseas workers
The National Farmers Federation has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister that eligible visa holders, including working holiday makers and international skilled workers, will be able to enter Australia from December 1. It comes as the agriculture labour workforce shortage has only exacerbated since border lockdowns began in March 2020. “The controlled and COVID-safe […]
Forrest’s Fuel Tax Credits fantasy should not pass ‘go’
Australia’s peak farm body has ridiculed a policy proposal to scrap the Fuel Tax Credits Scheme – reportedly being floated by Andrew Forrest – saying it would be devastating to regional Australia.National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive, Tony Mahar, said it was bad policy that would damage livelihoods in country areas.“Fuel tax credits exist to fix […]
Farmers need comprehensive worker solutions not political point scoring
The National Farmers’ Federation has today reiterated the need for a suite of measures to make sure Australian farmers can get products to consumers both here and overseas. “Farmers must have a secure and reliable supply of workers to make sure they can look after animals, get the crop off trees and out of the […]
Piece work rate decision threatens to drive horticulture’s best workers away
A decision by the Fair Work Commission to bow to the Australian Workers’ Union’s demands and introduce a floor price on piece work rates will push many farmers’ wage costs to unsustainable levels and could drive horticulture’s most capable workers away from the industry, NFF CEO Tony Mahar said. “It is a bitter blow to […]
Young Australians get first-hand insight of jobs in agriculture with #AgVenture Careers Expo
High school students are encouraged to log on and find out more about the many and varied jobs in agriculture with the NFF’s AgVenture Careers Expo. The AgVenture Careers Expo is part of the celebrations for this year’s National Agriculture Day, Friday 19 November. Beginning on Monday 25 October, Years 10, 11 and 12 students […]
2021 Regional Telecommunications Review
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review. Access to reliable, affordable, quality telecommunications underpin the viability of regional communities and farming businesses across Australia. Allowing farming and regional families access to the digital economy through business development, education services and social connectivity is essential […]
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Inquiry into Definitions of Meat
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission into the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Inquiry into Definitions of Meat and Other Animal Products. The NFF would like to take the opportunity presented through the development of our submission to comment on the broader regulatory environment […]
Senate inquiry into faux meat labelling commended by farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation has commended the establishment this week of a Commonwealth Senate Inquiry into the labelling of alternative protein products. “We congratulate Senator Susan McDonald on initiating this important and logical process,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.“The actions of some manufacturers in continuing to incorrectly label for example, faux meat products as ‘bacon’ […]
State-Federal Government cooperation on Farm Resilience Program welcomed
The National Farmers Federation has welcomed recent announcements on the roll-out of the Future Drought Fund’s (FDF) Farm Business Resilience Program, a program that will provide practical training for farms on strategic business management, natural resource management, and personal and social resilience. “This program will be crucial in building our farmers fundamental business and strategic […]
Dedicated Agriculture Visa
The National Farmers’ Federation supports the introduction of a dedicated Agriculture Visa The Australian agriculture sector is an economic powerhouse with huge potential for expansion, but the rate at which the sector is able to grow and prosper depends largely on its ability to overcome serious, chronic labour shortages. To provide a stable and sustainable […]