Parliamentarians urged to stand up for family farms in the face of ‘Super Tax’
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is again urging Senate cross benchers to consider the impact of proposed taxation changes for superannuation on thousands of family farms across Australia. “We are pleased to see reports today that Senate crossbenchers David Pocock and Jacqui Lambie have raised concerns about the proposed legislation, and we are calling on […]
Migration paper prompts renewed calls for a farm visa
The National Farmers’ Federation has acknowledged the Regional Migration Discussion Paper released today, which it says should kickstart a robust discussion on getting migration settings right for farmers and regional Australia. While the paper considers all regional migration settings, it shines a spotlight on the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. NFF Acting CEO Charlie Thomas […]
NFF Submission – Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)
NFF appreciates the opportunity to submit to Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) regarding the Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). Representing a broad spectrum of Australian agriculture since 1979, the NFF underscores the critical role of skilled migration pathways in maintaining a robust agricultural workforce. This submission highlights the sector’s reliance on skilled migrants, the potential […]
PALM work hours change a step in the right direction
The National Farmers’ Federation’s Horticulture Council has today welcomed improvements to the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme that will go a long way to ensuring it remains an accessible and viable workforce option for Australian farmers. The change means from 1 July 2024, employers of short-term workers will be required to offer 120 hours […]
NFF warns against short-sighted migration plans
The National Farmers’ Federation has warned proposals to cap migration will exacerbate agriculture’s workforce challenges and there are better ways to address the housing crisis. In the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s post-budget address, he revealed plans to slash worker migration, a move NFF President David Jochinke said could deal a heavy blow to Australia’s agricultural […]
Open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Dear Prime Minister, Last week, for the first time in 39 years, farmers from across Australia determined that they no longer have confidence in your government to represent their interests. This vote followed an unprecedented walk-out by farmers on your Agriculture Minister’s budget address. This is not how we usually operate at the National Farmers’ […]
Australian agriculture passes vote of no confidence in the Albanese Government
Australian agriculture’s peak policy-making forum has sent a powerful message to the Albanese Government. The National Farmers’ Federation’s Members Council, comprising Australia’s state and commodity agricultural organisations, has today carried three motions: NFF President David Jochinke said this was an unprecedented move representing a united front from the industry. “Farmers, fishers and foresters feel they […]
NFF delivers 17 priorities for the Federal Budget to advance agriculture
Australia’s peak farming organisation has put forward 17 investment recommendations for the Federal Government to invest in agriculture and support the sector’s sustainable growth ahead of the budget. National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said next week’s budget was a chance for the Government to lay the foundation for growth and productivity in a challenging […]
Farm gap-year welcomes its biggest crop of participants
The National Farmers’ Federation’s flagship gap-year program AgCAREERSTART has hit a milestone, with 80 participants now on-farm for 2024 and the program boasting an 83% retention rate of graduates staying on in the agriculture industry. Despite the positive outcomes, the NFF is calling on the Federal Government to commit to the program in the May […]
New data shows farmers will walk away if worker access is further eroded
Farmers are warning they will change what they grow or even walk away from farming if their access to overseas workers is reduced, new data from the National Farmers’ Federation has revealed. A survey of farmers from nearly every commodity across the country comes as visa fee rises and changes to the UK backpacker rules […]