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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Food security at risk if migration debate ignores agriculture
Statement attributable to NFF Horticulture Council Executive Officer, Richard Shannon Australia cannot keep growing its population and make cuts to the workforce that feeds it. Australia’s peak body representing horticulture is warning that proposals to reduce migration numbers must recognise the critical role temporary migrant workers play in maintaining Australia’s food security and keeping fresh […]
Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 Senate Inquiry
The NFF calls on the Australian Government to ensure that the proposed capital gains tax (CGT) changes in the Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026 do not undermine the ongoing viability, productivity and investment capacity of Australian farm businesses, including at key transition points such as intergenerational succession. This can be achieved […]
NFF response to annual wage review
The National Farmers’ Federation acknowledges today’s Fair Work Commission decision and will review the detail of the determination. NFF Chief Executive Officer Michael Guerin said the decision comes at a challenging time for Australian agriculture, with farm businesses continuing to face significant cost pressures and a more difficult seasonal outlook. “Farmers are already grappling with […]
NFF welcomes right to repair progress for farmers
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Federal Government’s move today to release proposals on extending Australia’s Right to Repair laws to agricultural machinery. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the announcement reflected years of advocacy by the NFF and its members to tackle costly delays and barriers to repairing farm machinery. “This is a […]
Inquiry into the operation and adequacy of the National Employment Standards (NES)
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment, Workplace Relations Skills and Training has been commissioned by the Minister for Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth to conduct an inquiry into the National Employment Standards contained in the Fair Work Act and their continuing relevance to the modern workplace. The NFF’s full submission can be found here.