Don’t make food dearer while Australians battle inflation
The National Farmers’ Federation says today’s interest rate decision should be a warning to governments not to add avoidable costs to producing the food Australians put on their tables. Annual inflation has accelerated to 4.3 per cent, while underlying inflation is running at 3.6 per cent, above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s 2 to 3 […]
Farm leaders warn Government on workforce, costs and EU trade deal
The nation’s agricultural leaders have concluded the industry’s peak policy-making forum in Canberra with a clear warning to the Australian Government: workforce disruption, crushing input costs and a substandard European Union trade deal are putting mounting pressure on Australian farmers. National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre said the message from Members’ Council was unmistakable. “Across […]
NFF welcomes commitment to a new Ag Visa
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 […]
Emergency visa process no substitute for lasting workforce reform
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is calling for urgent reform of Australia’s regional workforce and migration settings, warning the recent emergency process for critical farm worker applications is only a short-term pressure valve. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the Federal Government’s cooperation on urgent Working Holiday Maker cases was welcome, but it did not address […]
NFF Submission to the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence
This submission comments on the terms of reference of the Joint Select Committee on Artificial Intelligence, appointed by the Australian Parliament on 20 August 2026. It adopts a neutral position: artificial intelligence presents material opportunities for productivity, innovation, public administration and regional development, while also creating risks that require proportionate, evidence-based and adaptable policy responses. […]
Submission on the Competition and Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Banning Unfair Non-Competes) Bill 2026 Response to the Exposure Draft Legislation
The National Farmers Federation welcomes the opportunity to comment on the exposure draft of the Competition and Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Banning Unfair Non-Competes) Bill 2026 (Exposure Draft) set out by the Government. The objectives of the Exposure Draft i.e. supporting labour mobility, wage growth, productivity and competition are legitimate and important. At the same […]
Strengthening Australia’s legislative response to modern slavery in supply chains, NFF response to discussion paper
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Australian Government’s discussion paper on strengthening Australia’s legislative response to modern slavery in supply chains. Modern slavery is a grave violation of human rights and has no place in Australian agriculture, food production, or any domestic or global supply chain. The NFF supports a […]
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 […]
Submission Consultation draft: Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA)
The NFF is requesting an acknowledgement of tasks and descriptions of OSCA code 343136 (Senior Broadacre Crop Farm Worker) be responsive to the real-world demands of working on a Grain Farm today. The value of the level of practical experience would, in an ideal world, necessitate a dedicated OSCA code for an experienced Farm Machine […]